Politics & Government

Wayne County Dedicates First Responders Memorial

The memorial honors 401 firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel from Wayne County.

This story was submitted by Wayne County.

PLYMOUTH TWP. — Thursday marked the official dedication of the Wayne County First Responders Memorial in Hines Park.

Located at the corner of Hines Drive and Haggerty Road in Plymouth Township, the memorial honors police, firefighters and EMS personnel who died in the line of duty in Wayne County.

“As a former sheriff, I appreciate the risks first responders face on a daily basis,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “The First Responders Memorial pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to help others."

The dedication program included the presentation of colors, the National Anthem performed by the Livonia Franklin High School Choir, a rifle volley presented by the Van Buren Township Police Department and a Firefighters Bell Service presented by the Detroit Fire Honor Guard.

Family members of fallen first responders, along with Wayne County officials, police and fire personnel, spoke during the dedication of the memorial. The event concluded with a special wreath ceremony led by Ficano.

Six granite walls, each weighing 9,000 pounds, contain the names of 401 fallen first responders.

Wayne County Department of Public Services Parks Division, in partnership with Running Fit, hosted its inaugural Heroes on Hines half marathon and 5K run on Oct. 5. More than 1,100 runners attended the event. Proceeds from the annual race will go to support and maintain the First Responders Memorial.

Construction of the memorial is being paid for through the county’s parks and recreation millage and will cost approximately $400,000. The millage helps to ensure quality maintenance and upkeep for parks throughout Wayne County.


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