Dear Friends,

    Since its inception, there has been one constant in the fire service; selfless acts of courage have placed firefighters in harm's way. Thousands of our brethren have paid the ultimate price so that others might live. To date, 55 of the Omaha Fire Department's bravest souls have made that sacrifice. They were not heroes, but rather ordinary men performing heroic tasks in the face of insurmountable odds.

    The names of those who have gone before us can be found on a plague in the lobby of the Omaha Fire Department's Central Station. Now, the International Association of Professional Firefighters (IAFF), Local 385, has taken on the challenge of constructing a more fitting monument to those who have given their last full measure of devotion.

    The tragic events of September 11th, 2001 have thrust the firefighting profession into a new paradigm. This new paradigm offers more opportunities for IAFF Local 385's professionals to utilize their skills in fire suppression, technical rescue and emergency medical services. These unique skill sets are the very ones used to assist the public when they need us most. So now I encourage you to assist in the construction of this fitting memorial to honor those who have fallen serving the citizens of Omaha and the United States of America.

    For several years now, IAFF Local 385 has been working with local sculptor Matthew Placzek to construct a 10 to 12-foot bronze statue surrounded by a wall that will forever bear the names of our brothers who have laid down their lives answering the call of duty. Please visit the Monument page to view a rendition of the finished memorial. This memorial will be constructed at the new Lewis and Clark Landing and is scheduled to be dedicated on Patriot's Day, September 11th, 2009.

  The entire project will cost $454,000. The Omaha Professional Firefighters Memorial Committee has raised over $100,000 amongst our members. We are now asking other members of the community to join us in honoring the firefighters that have given their lives and to help make this memorial a reality.

  This will be a unique and artistic landmark that will compliment our ever-growing riverfront development. The area is highly visible as it is located near the Qwest Convention Center. It will be a symbol of honor and will become a respected destination for many visitors for years to come. The community can take pride in honoring these heroic firefighters. The memorial will also be situated next to the second largest labor monument in the United States.

  In a contractual agreement with the city of Omaha, the land, located at Lewis and Clark Landing, has been reserved for this project. All building permits have been secured and the engineering process is complete. As part of the contractual agreement, once the project is completed, the city will assume ownership, maintenance and any future preservation necessary.

  The Memorial Committee of Local 385 is selling bricks with the names of current and former member of Local 385. These bricks will pave the ramp leading to the statue. For $100.00 you can have the name and hiring date of any former or current member in good standing with Local 385 engraved on one of these bricks. While it is a simple idea, we feel it is the best way to involve everyone who dedicated themselves safeguarding the City of Omaha.

IAFF Local 385 Memorial Committee
Brent Evanoff Andy Evertson Rob Nigh Dave Sobotka Jim Bosanek	Craig Schneider Steve Tyler John Strawn Josh Goessling OFD Ladies Auxillary