(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Freeholder Board, Fireman’s and Fire Chief’s Association honored first responders with the unveiling of the newly constructed “First Responder Memorial” at the Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center in Gloucester Township.
“There is no higher calling than serving your community as a first responder, knowing that when you wake up and go to work there is a chance of not making it home. We wanted to create a space to memorialize and reflect on the men and women who worked on our behalf and never made it home.” said Freeholder Bill Moen. “With the completion of this project we can honor these heroes who were tragically lost while protecting their communities for years to come.”
This year will be the first year that the First Responder Memorial is exhibited and viewed. The memorial will honor all first responders who have died in the line of duty dating all the way back to the early nineteen hundreds. In total, the memorial will feature the names of 66 fallen men and women and two canines who were killed on duty.
Congressman Donald Norcross talked about the importance of providing a dedicated space for a monument to first responders.
“We must honor and remember those who didn’t come home to their families because they were saving our families,” Norcross said. “Every day, first responders put their lives on the line for us, and this memorial provides a place for members of our community to thank those who keep us safe.”
The memorial was constructed with a contribution from the Freeholder Board, funds raised by first responders and a generous donation by EP Henry. The construction of the monument took place over the last six months.
“History and tradition are our most valuable teachers, without which we would learn and accomplish nothing,” Moen said. “On this day, we will make history with the unveiling of this solemn memorial, and we hope to pass on the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their neighbors.”