California Firefighters Memorial Oral History Collection Project
The California Firefighters Memorial is a unique and stunning tribute to the more than 1500 firefighters who have died in the line of duty since California became a state in 1850. The memorial was unveiled on April 6, 2002, and is a lasting tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow Californians.
Nothing can replace those we have lost, but the California Firefighters Memorial and the beauty of the location gives us a place to remember them in a way that is fitting for such brave souls. Unfortunately, the wall is running out of room and must be expanded. Over the past year, the Foundation has explored impactful ways to expand the memorial, including selecting the right designer who will honor the intention and original elements of the memorial.
Watch a preview of the expansion plans:
As we embark on the expansion, we also want to reflect on the meaning of the wall and its importance to the people who matter most, you, the friends, families, and loved ones. We want to know, what does the memorial mean to you?
What is the California Firefighters Memorial Oral History Collection Project?
As part of preserving the memory and sacrifice of your loved one, the California Fire Foundation created the California Firefighters Memorial Oral History Collection Project to gather personal stories about your loved ones whose names are etched on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall. We hope to gather your answers to share them with other families, firefighters, and our supporters to show how important the Memorial Wall is to the fire service and the families. These voice notes will help us tell the story of California firefighters and honor their legacy for generations to come. Some of the voice notes will be used for our expansion efforts to help us show the importance of having a place to pay tribute to California's bravest.
As a family member or friend of a fallen firefighter, you know better than anyone that the Memorial Wall is more than a list of fallen heroes; it is sacred ground, a place where the fire service can go to remember their fallen brothers and sisters. It is a place where families can visit and touch the name of their loved one on the wall. It is a place where the public can go to pay their respects to the brave men and women who worked tirelessly to protect their fellow Californians.
We’d love for you to tell us what the wall means to you. If you are interested in participating, please call the number below and leave us a voicemail sharing what the California Firefighters Memorial Wall means to you and your family. By leaving a voicemail, you are consenting to the use and distribution by the CA Fire Foundation and Firestar Studios. If you would like to remain anonymous, please state that in your voicemail.
To share your story, please call:
(916) 883-3580
If you have any questions about the project, feel free to send us a message at cffcommunications@cpf.org.