VIDEO: City leaders, firefighters and community members gathered Wednesday morning at Demens Landing Park. The ceremony took place at Demens Landing Park and honored the courage, sacrifice and service of firefighters who have served the city. Current and retired firefighters attended alongside families and local officials, overlooking Tampa Bay as the memorial was formally dedicated.
Mayor Ken Welch, Fire Chief Keith Watts and City Council Chair Gina Driscoll Hanewicz were among those in attendance. According to the city, the memorial was created as a lasting tribute to firefighters, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. City leaders say the site is meant to be a place of reflection for both the fire service and the community it protects.
The memorial’s waterfront location was chosen to make it visible and accessible to residents and visitors year-round. According to the nonprofit Heroes of the St. Pete Police and Fire Rescue, there have been 15 police officers and 4 firefighters lost in the line of duty from the St. Pete Police and Fire Rescue forces.
