The Firefighters Memorial was built to pay tribute to Anderson Township Firefighters that have fallen in the line of duty and to honor all those that have served the Department.  The memorial committee, made up of past and present members of our Fireman’s Association, formed in the summer of 2001.  The committee steered the development of the project since then.

The memorial has been built in phases, beginning in October 2004, and is set to be completed in 2008.  Funding came from private donations and fundraisers put on by the Fireman’s Association.  The location at Beech Acres Park was chosen because of its central location in the township and its high visibility for residents.

The memorial was officially dedicated on June 11, 2005, four years after the first committee meeting.  The bronze statue and bell were designed and cast by The Verdin Company, located here in Cincinnati.  The final phase includes a series of 3 granite walls that will have the names of all firefighters who have served the Department, as well as a pictures and personal information about our members who have fallen in the line of duty.

Please take the time to watch our slide show from the dedication ceremony, and view the pictures showing the many parts of the development process.  If you have any questions or would like more information regarding our Firefighters Memorial project, please feel free to contact the webmaster.

Click here or on the image to the right to view the dedication
ceremony slide show.

		Assistant Chief Victor Paul Russ Vic Russ was one of the career members of the Anderson Township Fire Department and served until July 24, 1962. His contribution helped with growth and development in earlier years of the department. His death occurred while on duty at the original Salem Road station. Vic was Assistant Chief.
		Assistant Chief Russ Wuerdeman Russ Wuerdeman was a community businessman and was readily available in the early years of the volunteer department to respond to emergency situations as a firefighter and a life squad attendant. He was one of the first career personnel to be on duty at the fire station. He suffered a fatal heart attack while working at the firehouse on September 29, 1966.
		Chief Edward H. "Bud" Stagnaro Chief Edward H. "Bud" Stagnaro served the Anderson Township Fire Department as Chief from March 1971, until his death on call on June 18, 1979. He was stricken while assisting in the rescue of a person who was trapped in a car, which was on fire, following an auto accident. Chief Stagnaro expanded the department from two to three stations and added career personnel while keeping his volunteer contingent. He will be best remembered for starting the paramedic service in Anderson Township in 1976. When he died, he also had plans for the first aerial apparatus and a fourth firehouse. This fourth station now stands in his memory on Hunley Road. His family states, "Dad died doing what he loved to do, which was helping other people. What greater testament is there to a life well spent."
		Firefighter William "Doc" Ellison William "Doc" Ellison served with Anderson Township Fire Department for 3 years and 6 months. His thirst for knowledge in the medical field and his commitment to being one of the best firefighter-paramedics earned him the nickname, "Doc." Firefighter Ellison was injured on March 8, 2001 while fighting a fire in Hamilton County. He died from his injuries on March 20, 2001.
		Lieutenant Ben Cunningham Ben Cunningham joined the Anderson Township Fire & Rescue Department on May 31, 1973. He was a member of the first paramedic class graduating in April of 1977 and was promoted to Lieutenant on September 15, 1982. Ben succumbed to a disease related to his service in the fire department on March 21, 2002. Ben's desire was that "all who come behind him would find him faithful."

Brother when you weep for me

Remember that it was meant to be

Lay me down and when you leave

Remember I'll be at your sleeve

In every dark and choking hall

I'll be there as you slowly crawl

On every roof in driving snow

I'll hold your coat and you will know

In cellars hot with searing heat

At windows where a gate you meet

In closets where young children hide

You know I'll be there at your side

The house from which I now respond

Is overstaffed with heroes gone

Men and women who answered one last bell

Did the job and did it well

As firemen we understand

That death's a card dealt in our hand

A card we hope we never play

But one we hold there anyway

That card is something we ignore

As we crawl across a weakened floor

For we know that we're the only prayer

For anyone that might be there

So remember as you wipe your tears

The joy I knew throughout the years

As I did the job I loved to do

I pray that thought will see you through

Author Unknown