By Bill Riccio, Jr.
Voice Editor

Calling all sleuths. There’s a job to do and a city fireman needs your help. No. The case involved isn’t to solve a crime – but it would be a crime in this guy’s eyes if he can’t get to the bottom of the story.

Firefighter William Heffernan is doing a research project on the Firefighters’ Memorial that celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. Dedicated on June 13, 1960, the memorial has been a landmark on the Green, and is the venue for the annual memorial service for the city’s finest who’ve given their lives in the service of the city as well as those veteran firefighters who have passed away.

Heffernan is trying to put together a history of the memorial and the reasons it was placed on the Green. He knows about the dedication. He knows about the construction, but what he’s looking for is more elusive – the people and reasons the memorial was constructed.

“You’d think there would be a lot of information about the memorial, but there isn’t,” said Heffernan last week. “I’m hoping somebody out there has some information that will help me get some background information.”

Heffernan said he’s interviewed many old-time firefighters in town, including people such as former Center Fire District Chief William “Wiggy” Johnson.

“A lot of people remember the memorial and the annual service, but it sort of appeared, and the firefighters assembled marched to it. There isn’t a lot of background information, not even in old newspaper accounts,” he said.

Some details were easy to find. The bell that sits atop the memorial was originally cast for the Savin Rock Firehouse that formerly was on Holmes Street. The Firehouse and Holmes Street were lost with the redevelopment frenzy of the 1960s.

“The bell was given to the Savin Rock Firehouse by Fred Morris, who also donated the land for Morris Park,” said Heffernan. “He gave it in memory of his son. But, I’m not sure what happened to his son that prompted the gift.”

Originally, the bell, cast by the Meneely Company of Troy, NY, was used as a signal to firefighters when calls came in. The firehouse fell into disrepair along with the tower in the 1950s, and it was finally removed in 1959. The firehouse was slated for demolition early in the redevelopment plan.

When plans were made to construct a firefighters’ memorial, the bell was included in the plan. Heffernan attempted to find out more information concerning the planning stages from City Historian Jon Purmont and from other sources, with little success.

“I’m hoping somebody who is a longtime resident will have some information,” he said.

What he’s hoping to find out is what led to the memorial? Who did the stonework? Any other information will be helpful as well.

“Nothing is in the daily reports, and the press clippings aren’t helpful,” he said. “Maybe somebody out there has some information they can share.”

Those with information should call Heffernan at the Center Firehouse, 937-3710.