The Ventura County Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Government Center was dedicated Sept. 27. The dedication was the culmination of a four-year effort to create a permanent tribute to the firefighters who have given their lives in service to the citizens of Ventura County.
On behalf of the Ventura County Fire Chiefs' Association, firefighter labor organizations, Rotary International and the eight fire agencies serving the county -- Ventura County, Oxnard, Ventura City, Federal Fire, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service -- I would like to express my deepest gratitude for everyone who helped make the memorial a reality.
Without the support of the public, the communities we serve and our generous sponsors, the memorial would not have been possible. The names of many of these individuals, companies and organizations that gave special support to our efforts are also given recognition at the memorial, but the focus is on the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The emotions on display Sept. 27 were moving reminders of the importance this kind of monument holds in the hearts of firefighters and their families. I hope all the citizens of Ventura County will take the time to visit the memorial and pay their respects. We hope we never have to add another name to the list of 39 inscribed there now, and we take comfort in knowing they will not be forgotten and that future generations can honor their service as well.
-- Bob Roper, Ojai
(The writer is chief of the Ventura County Fire Department. -- Editor)