A bill to reconstruct a memorial for fallen firefighters is waiting on Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s signature.
Supporters of the bill, including lawmakers who are firefighters, gathered in Olympia to highlight the bill’s passage. The memorial will honor nearly 300 Washington firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1891, according to the Fallen Firefighter Foundation.
“We celebrate the passage of a bill that sets in motion the creation of a new memorial that will truly honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Franz grew up around firefighters because her father worked out of Washington fire stations.
“Now, as the leader of Washington’s wildfire fighting force, I’ve been able to live that constant state of fear and concern of always wanting to make sure one of our own comes home,” Franz said.