View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/198

Description: The monument is a bronze statue of four life-size firefighters on a large granite base. One of the firefighters is trapped beneath a steel beam; the three others are in the process of rescuing him. The sculpture is inscribed with the names of the state's fallen firefighters. Originally, the plaques had 112 names of firefighters who died in the line of duty since 1902. More have been added as other firefighters died within the state. Firefighters who died of heart attacks or vehicle wrecks are included on the monument.

Images: Front View | Right View | Back View | Figure 1 (Fallen firefighter) | Figure 2 (Firefighter holding head) | Figure 3 (Firefighter with hose) | Figure 4 (Firefighter with a steel beam)

Dedication date: 5/6/2006

Creator: Carl W. Regutti, Designer

Materials & Techniques: Bronze, granite, slate

Sponsor: North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation raised the funds (entirely privately funded). Many North Carolina fire-departments raised funds. Additionally major donors included a Country Club, Insurance Companies, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery.

Cost: $500,000

Unveiling & Dedication: During the May 6, 2006 unveiling ceremonies, Kathy Guyer-Martin, the widow of a fallen firefighter, gave remarks; a prayer was offered by the Reverend J. George Reed.

Post dedication use: Annual memorials are held each year on the first Saturday in May. Names of North Carolina firefighters who passed are annually added to the plaques.

Subject notes: The monument was created in order to honor firefighters who have lost their lives. The North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation began raising funds to build a memorial in 2000 by working with Carl Regutti in creating wall relief sculptures to sell in mass quantities.

Controversies: The monument caused some concern from the Raleigh Arts Commission and members of the community due to the possibility of losing the fluidity of Nash Square with the addition of such a large memorial. Members of the Commission opposed the monument because the felt the sculpture was "too literal and melodramatic, even schmaltzy," according to the Raleigh News and Observer. One local gallery owner decried the monument, claiming "It is a monster. It is not creative. It does not require any imagination at all. It is not like the Vietnam Memorial (in Washington, D.C.), that just washes over you." Nevertheless, the memorial was eventually approved and built in 2004.

Location: The monument is intended to be viewed from any angle, with at least one firefighter's face visible from all viewpoints.

Landscape: The monument is located in the center of Nash Square with a surrounding walkway. The circular walkway in the center of the square is surrounded by greenery and the monument is located on flat terrain.

City: Raleigh

County: Wake

Subjects: Tragedy