Honoring Fire Fighters Who
Sacrificed All In The Line Of Duty

Fundraising Campaign  $115,980.02

Goal

Donate Now

WHO WE ARE

The Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Fund (CFFMF) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and the IRS.

We were incorporated in 1993 with the sole purpose of building a memorial to honor the 77 brave Cleveland Fire Fighters who gave their lives in the line of duty.

In 2007 we dedicated the memorial, a colorful fiberglass statue of two fire fighters putting out large flames created by nationally acclaimed sculptor Luis Jimenez. The Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Fund is overseen by a Board of Trustees who are committed to maintaining a dignified memorial to those who have given their lives to the protection of the residents and visitors of the City of Cleveland.

The CFFMF Board of Trustees are:

Jerry Zimmerer, CFD Lieutenant – President
Dean Murad, CFD Lieutenant – Vice President
Timothy O’Toole, CFD Retired Asst. Chief, – Secretary
Kenneth Latkovic, CFD Captain – Treasurer
Angelo Calvillo, Chief CFD – Trustee
Francis Lally, Lieutenant, CFD, IAFF Local 93 President – Trustee
Walter Zimmerer, Retired Chief, CFD – Trustee
Peter Jedick, Retired Lieutenant, CFD – Trustee
Brian Degardyn, CFD Captain – Trustee

WE NEED YOUR HELP

2014-11-24 13.34.51

In 2016 it was determined that the both the memorial figures, and site itself had suffered deterioration and were in need of repair.  Due to the generous donations of local benefactors and the current and retired members of the Cleveland Division of Fire, the committee was able to contract with ICA-Art Conservation to complete the initial repairs to the figures.  In 2019 the figures were removed, restored and re-dedicated on March 17th, 2019 at a cost of nearly $50,000.

But when we replaced the memorial statues we discovered that the site itself needed repairs, specifically the drainage and concrete plaza. We needed to replace the concrete with pavers over a concrete base and upgrade the drainage. So we began another collection campaign for those improvements.

The repairs were estimated to cost $65,000.00. But thanks to our active members, who are donating through the payroll deduction, and retired members and private citizens who have donated as well, we had almost reached our goal by June 2021. Then through the generous donation of $50,000.00 from the Sam Miller Foundation we have reached our goal. And we have funds left over for any future problems with the site that may arise. We would also like to move the original memorial at E. 9th and Lakeside Ave. to a better location.  And we would like to make sure that the other memorials to our fallen brothers around town are in the condition they should be to honor the names on them.  The repairs are scheduled to begin in September, 2021 and should be completed by October or November, 2021.

We expect that these needed repairs will maintain both the memorial and the site for many years in the appropriate condition to honor our fallen members with the dignity and respect they deserve.  The committee wishes to extend the deepest appreciation to those who have supported, and continue to support this worthy project.

Anyone interested in contributing to the CFFMF repair fund please click the link button above to donate. Contributions can be made by credit card, through PayPal or by sending check or money order. All donations are tax deductible.

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Contact CFFMF

The Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Fund (CFFMF) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and the IRS.

If you have questions about how you can help contribute to our campaign, please fill out this form and a member of the Memorial Fund will respond to you as soon as possible.

Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Fund
c/o Cleveland Fire Department Headquarters
1645 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

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Fallen Firefighters

 

NAME

  

NAME AND PLACE ON MEMORIAL

  

DATE OF
DEATH

  

DATE OF INJURY

  

COMPANY

  

INCIDENT
 

Paul N. Aukens

  

Paul Aukins
panel 1, number 1

  

2/27/1869

  

2/24/1869

  

Engine Co. 1

  

Died from injuries after being buried by falling debris at fire in the New England Block, 45 Broadway.
 

John C. Sturges

  

John C. Sturges
panel 1 , number 2

  

8/25/1870

  

8/25/1870

  

Engine Co. 5

  

Accident with hose cart.  Pinned up against left wheel of steamer while tending fire box.
 

Henry O. Loomis

  

Henry O. Loomis
panel 1, number  3

  

2/14/1873

  

1/16/1873

  

Captain
Protection Co.

  

Thrown from salvage wagon at St. Clair & Wood Streets while responding to an alarm..
 

Samuel A. Fitch

  

Samuel Fitch
panel 1, number  4

  

4/10/1879

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 2

  

Thrown from apparatus in a collision with Pearl Street street car while responding to an alarm.
 

John F. Maher

  

John F. Maher
panel 1, number  5

  

9/11/1879

  

– – – –

  

Engine Co. 13

  

Died from effects of consumption contracted in department service.
 

John T. Gillson

  

John T. Gillson
panel 1, number  6

  

6/6/1882

  

4/10/1882

  

Captain
Ladder Co. 2

  

Died from the effects of inhaling sulfuric acid while working at a fire at Powell Tool Company at Winslow and Elm Streets in the Flats.
 

Henry C. Harmon, Jr.

 

  

Henry C. Harmon
panel 1, number  7

  

1/15/1884

  

1/6/1884

  

Engine Co. 12

  

Died from complications from the cold and exposure while working at the Park Theater fire.
 

Henry Gensert

  

Henry Gensert
panel 1, number  8

  

6/11/1887

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 2

  

Thrown from Chemical B (manned by members of Ladder Co. 2) while en route to Box 125
 

Timothy Graham

  

Timothy Graham
panel 1, number  9

  

10/20/1888

  

10/17/1888

  

Cadet in training

  

Died as a result of injuries from fall while training on newly acquired Pompier ladder.
 

Samuel Peace

  

Samuel Pease
panel 1, number  10

  

5/18/1891

  

– – – –

  

Engine Co. 5

  

Died as a result of abscess caused from a fall from apparatus months earlier..
 

Henry Ressler

  

Henry Ressler
panel 1, number  15

  

10/26/1891

  

same date

 

  

Lieutenant
Ladder Co. 1

  

Died as a result of injuries suffered in a fall from a ladder during a drill.
 

John Grady

  

John Grady
panel 1, number  11

  

11/15/1891

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 1

  

Injured while working at Scott & Foreman Co. fire downtown.
 

Michael J. Howley

  

Michael Howley
panel 1, number  12

  

12/ 3/1891

  

11/15/1891

  

Engine Co. 6

  

Injured while fighting fire in Scott & Foreman Co. block on Frankfort Street that destroyed a total of 10 buildings.
 

Willis Hizer

  

Willis Hizer
panel 1, number  13

  

9/29/1894

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 1

  

Injured when thrown from ladder truck en route to Box 9 and died as a result of those injuries.
Michael Welch  

Michael Walsh
panel 1, number  14

  

9/12/1896

  

9/10/1896

  

Engine Co. 1

  

Fell from hose cart en route to a fire, taken to a hospital and died of those injuries.
 

William A. Reynolds

  

William A. Reynolds
panel 1, number  16

  

8/15/1897

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 8

  

Collapsed and died while working at a fire at 314 Starkweather Ave.
 

William B. MacFeeters

  

William B. MacFeeters
panel 1, number  17

  

12/23/1897

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 1

  

Fell down open elevator shaft from fourth floor of Powers Block on Frankfort Street during a fire.
 

Sylvester Esterle

  

Sylvester Esterle
panel 1, number  18

  

7/14/1898

  

7/1/1898

  

Engine Co. 8

  

Driver, thrown from steamer on Jefferson Street hill en route to alarm at Hemry Box Works, 132 Jefferson Street.
 

William H. Roth

  

William Roth
panel 1, number  19

  

3/24/1899

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 7

  

Injured by collapse of floor at fire in the Cleveland Machine Screw Works, 325-89 Perkins Avenue.  The fire started in Dangler Stove Works next door.
 

Sheldon Wright

  

Sheldon Wright
panel 1, number  21

  

8/19/1901

  

same date

  

Bat. Chief
Battalion 5

  

Collapsed after returning from fire at Cleveland Storage Co., Scranton and Girard.
 

Patrick H. Joyce

  

Patrick Joyce
panel 1, number  22

  

12/ 4/1902

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 14

  

Trapped under falling walls at fire in factory of Likly & Rockett Case and Hamilton Streets.
 

Joseph L. Flaherty

  

Joseph L. Flaherty
panel 1, number  20

  

4/20/1903

  

4/20/1903

  

Hose Co. 2

  

Tripped in dark in dormitory at Station 35 and fell down pole hole opening.

 
 

Robert Reid

  

Robert Reid
panel 1, number  23

  

11/16/1903

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 2

  

Trapped under collapse of building used as car barns, 1313 Pearl Street.  Died at hospital.
 

Robert Duffy

  

Robert Duffy
panel 1, number  24

  

11/16/1903

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 2

  

Trapped under collapse of building used as car barns, 1313 Pearl Street.  Killed instantly.
 

James Schweda

  

James Schweda
panel ,1 number  25

  

11/16/1903

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 2

  

Trapped under collapse of building used as car barns, 1313 Pearl Street.  Killed instantly.
 

William D. Rowe

  

William D. Rowe
panel 1, number  26

  

3/10/1906

  

3/ 9/1906

  

Engine Co. 3

  

Injured in accident with trolley car on Central Avenue opposite Station No. 3
 

Herman David

  

Herman David
panel 1, number  27

  

6/19/1911

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 13

  

Thrown from engine on Dille Road hill en route to fire at Grasselli Chemical Company.
 

James R. Killoran

 

  

James R. Killoran
panel 1, number  28

  

10/26/1915

  

same date

  

Captain
Hose Co. 6

  

Accident between apparatus and street car at East 43 and Central Avenue while responding to shed fire at 2418 E. 61st Street.  Six men were injured and Captain  Killoran died later of his injuries.
 

William P. Rush, Sr.

  

William P. Rush, Sr.
panel 1, number  29

  

5/11/1917

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 27

  

Died of injuries suffered when thrown from horse drawn wagon of Engine 27 at Lakeside and West 3rd en route to alarm at West 3rd and the railroad crossing.
 

William J. Haley

  

William J. Haley
panel 1, number  30

  

2/20/1921

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 12

  

Accident responding to 2223 West 61 Street (Box 878) .
 

Patrick H. Jordan

  

Patrick Jordan
panel 1, number  31

  

6/3/1921

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 4

  

Died of injuries suffered by fall through pole hole at quarters.
 

Walter Reed

 

  

Walter Reed
panel 1, number  32

  

10/23/1923

  

same date

  

Bat. Chief
Battalion 8

  

Died from effects of carbon monoxide poisoning after being overcome at fire in American Tent and Awning Co., 12006 Euclid Ave.
 

Arthur E. Stanbury

  

Arthur Stansbury
panel 1, number  33

  

12/26/1928

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 8

  

Died of injuries when thrown from truck at E. 79th and Cedar after truck skidded into a pole en route to fire at 7713 Central Ave.
 

Daniel J. O’Laughlin

  

Daniel O’Laughlin
panel 1, number  34

  

3/20/1932

  

3/16/1932

  

Engine Co. 28

  

Died as a result of exposure during a fire on March 16th at Century Power Building.
 

Michael Bolivar

  

Michael Bolivar
panel 1, number  35

  

11/26/1932

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 19

  

Died as a result of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident en route to alarm on E. 77 Street.
 

Fred E. Brown

  

Fred Brown
panel 1, number  36

  

2/ 8/1935

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 13

  

Died of injuries sustained at fire in Atlas Steel Supply Co., 4401 Trumbull Avenue.
 

Leo A. Murphy

 

  

Leo Murphy
panel 1, number  37

  

5/ 5/1935

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 26

  

Died from injuries suffered when thrown from apparatus in accident at East 79th Street and Woodland en route to false alarm at 7600 Platt Avenue.
 

Roy Haylor

  

Roy Haylor
panel 1, number  38

  

12/11/1938

  

12/11/1938

  

Captain
Engine Co. 10

  

Died of effects of chronic coronary thrombosis from fumes inhaled at the Luna Park Fire, Woodland Avenue and Woodland Road .
 

Charles W. Klocksen

  

Charles Klocksen
panel 2, number  1

  

3/31/1943

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Ladder Co. 6

  

Collapsed and died at fire in Oster Manufacturing Co., 2057 East 61st Street
 

Patrick J. Mangan

  

Patrick Mangan
panel 2, number  2

  

3/11/1944

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 20

  

Trapped under collapsing wall in fire at Cleveland Union Stockyards, 3200 West 65th Street.
 

Norman H. Kitzerow

  

Norman Kitzerow
panel 2, number  3

  

3/11/1944

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 20

  

Trapped under collapsing wall in fire at Cleveland Union Stockyards, 3200 West 65th Street.
 

James J. Cull

  

James J. Cull
panel 2, number  4

  

4/19/1945

  

4/17/1945

  

Engine Co. 34

  

Driver of Engine Co. 34.  Died of injuries when thrown from apparatus in vehicle accident.
 

Theodore P. Brenyas

  

Theodore Brenyas
panel 2, number  5

  

3/26/1947

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 23 (serving as acting battalion chief)

  

Trapped under falling debris and walls of Franklin Blvd. Methodist Church, West 32nd Street and Franklin Blvd.
 

Paul I. Green

  

Paul I. Green
panel 2, number  6

  

1/16/1948

  

same date

  

Hose Co. 2

  

Trapped under collapsing structure at  Russo Wine Co. fire, 2807 Lorain Avenue.
 

Harry H. Spencer

  

Harry Spencer
panel 2, number  7

  

1/16/1948

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 6

  

Trapped under collapsing structure at  Russo Wine Co. fire, 2807 Lorain Avenue.
 

John J. Kilbane

  

John J. Kilbane
panel 2, number  8

  

5/12/1949

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 19

  

Collapsed at fire in  Milmar Company, a furniture manufacturer, 5213 Euclid Ave.
 

Henry F. Lange

  

Henry F. Lange
panel 2, number  9

  

7/ 9/1949

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Ladder Co. 13

  

Collapsed from heart attack and died at small garage fire at 16326 St. Clair Ave.
 

Joseph W. Vlasty

  

Joseph Vlasaty
panel 2 , number  10

  

2/25/1956

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 24

  

Died from a heart problem encountered at Saron Packaging Company, 3131 W. 31st. Street.
 

John W. Poe, Sr.

  

Jack W. Poe
panel 2, number  11

  

9/27/1959

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 17

  

Overcome by smoke, collapsed, and died at Ideal Macaroni Company fire, East 20th Street and Scovill Avenue.
 

Charles A. Prymmer

 

  

Charles Prymmer
panel 2, number  12

  

1/ 7/1960

  

same date

  

Bureau of First
Aid and Rescue

  

Collapsed and died while working at three-story apartment building fire, 1846 East 90th Street.
 

Walter A. Kress

  

Walter Kress
panel 2, number 13

  

12/ 1/1962

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 24

  

Collapsed and died as a result of a grass fire at W. 48 & Park.
 

John J. Finucan

  

John J. Finucan
panel 2, number  14

  

2/ 8/1963

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 29

  

Overcome, collapsed, and died at fire in 2½ story dwelling at 10312 Somerset Avenue
 

Kenneth F. Jacklitz

  

Kenneth F. Jacklitz
panel 2, number  15

  

2/ 9/1963

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 7

  

Collapsed and died while working at fire in abandoned Penn Square Hotel, 1922 East 55th Street.
 

Robert J. Ternansky

  

Robert Ternansky
panel 2, number  16

  

2/ 9/1963

  

same date

  

Battalion 4 aide

  

Died from injuries incurred by falling concrete and section of coping and parapet at fire in 3 story apartment, 1706 East 85th Streets.
 

Edwin J. Hart

  

Edwin J. Hart
panel 2, number  17

  

8/13/1963

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 3

  

Trapped under debris at Avis Truck fire, 1204 Carnegie Avenue S.E.
 

John T. McKenna

  

John T. McKenna
panel 2, number  18

  

8/13/1963

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 14

  

Blown into the street in explosion at Avis Truck Fire, 1204 Carnegie Avenue S.E.
 

Robert H. Jones

  

Robert H. Jones
panel 2, number  19

  

8/15/1963

  

8/13/1963

  

Engine Co. 3

  

Died as a result of injuries suffered from flying debris from explosion at Avis Truck Fire, 1204 Carnegie Avenue S.E.
 

Robert L. Marquard

  

Robert L. Marquard
panel 2, number  20

  

9/ 1/1963

  

8/13/1963

  

Ladder Co. 7

  

Died as a result of extensive burns from explosion at Avis Truck Fire, 1204 Carnegie Avenue S.E.
 

Ralph E. Simon

  

Ralph E. Simon
panel 2, number  21

  

8/ 4/1966

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 33

  

Injured by explosion at Metallurgical, Inc., 9801 Walford Avenue S.W.
 

John A. Petz

  

John A. Petz
panel 2, number  22

  

8/ 4/1966

  

same date

  

Rescue
Squad 2

  

Injured by explosion at Metallurgical, Inc., 9801 Walford Avenue S.W.
 

Charles G. Doehner

  

Charles G. Doehner
panel 2, number  23

  

8/ 4/1966

  

same date

  

Rescue
Squad 2

  

Died from injuries suffered in explosion at Metallurgical, Inc., 9801 Walford Avenue S.W.
 

Joseph G. Toolis

  

Joseph G. Toolis
panel 2, number  24

  

8/ 4/1966

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 12

  

Injured by explosion at Metallurgical, Inc., 9801 Walford Avenue S.W.
 

 

Stanley W. Lawson, Sr.

  

 

Stanley Lawson
panel 2, number  25

  

 

12/24/1966

  

 

same date

  

 

Ladder Co. 5

  

 

Collapsed at station after returning from fire in 3 story apartment, 2835 West 25th
 

David W. Hunger

  

David W. Hunger
panel 2, number  26

  

10/14/1967

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 7

  

Injured in apparatus accident with auto at East 40th Street and Central Avenue en route to false alarm at East 61st Street and Central Avenue
 

Dennis J. Connors

  

Dennis J. Connors
panel 2, number  27

  

12/15/1968

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Ladder Co. 12

  

Died of injuries suffered when falling through floor at fire in dwelling at 12310 Erwin Avenue SW.
George J. Solloway  

George J. Solloway
panel 2, number  28

  

3/13/1969

 

  

same date

 

  

Engine Co. 13

  

Collapsed while working at a fire at Smerda Music House, 5800 Broadway.
 

John D. Ruszkowski

  

John D. Ruszkowski
panel 1, number  39

  

4/15/1969

  

4/ 1/1969

  

Engine Co. 11

  

Collapsed at fire in commercial garage, 10200 Meech Avenue, and never regained consciousness.
 

John J. Gallagher

  

John J. Gallagher
panel 1, number  40

  

6/ 2/1969

  

same date

  

Captain
Engine Co. 23

  

Collapsed at fire at St. Anthony Home for Boys, 8301 Detroit Avenue
 

Salvatore Mazzola Jr.

 

  

Salvatore Mazzola
panel 1, number  41

  

1/15/1970

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 36

  

Collapsed and died in station after returning from fire in vacant dwelling, 3720 E. 131 Street.
 

Joseph A. DeCrane

  

Joseph A. DeCrane
panel 1, number  42

  

7/22/1972

  

same date

  

Ladder Co. 12

  

Died from injuries suffered when thrown from ladder truck en route to alarm at S.S.Kresge Company, 2180 Brookpark Road.
 

Frank L. Bonacci

  

Frank L. Bonacci
panel 1, number  43

  

10/10/1972

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 6

  

Collapsed while working at fire in apartment house, 18518 Harvard Ave.
 

Edward J. Gresky, Jr.

  

Edward J. Gresky
panel 2, number  29

  

2/12/1974

  

same date

  

Rescue
Squad 1

  

Died from burns and injuries suffered after falling through floor at a fire in a vacant 4 story brick commercial building, 1430 West 9th Street.
 

John W. McNamee

  

John W. McNamee
panel 2, number  30

  

12/ 7/1974

  

same date

  

Rescue
Squad 1

  

Overcome, collapsed, and died while involved in rescue operations at Hawley House hotel fire, 229 St. Clair Avenue
 

Richard F. Ward

  

Richard Ward
panel 2, number  31

  

12/ 3/1983

  

same date

  

Lieutenant
Engine Co. 9

  

Collapsed in quarters after returning from a high rise drill.
 

Daniel R. Pescatrice

  

Daniel R. Pescatrice
panel 2, number  32

  

12/31/1985

  

same date

  

Engine Co. 22

  

Trapped and overcome in fire at Milner Electric Company, 3804 St. Clair Avenue
Edward M. Carey Edward M. Carey
panel 2, number  33		  

6/18/1995

 

 3/28/1979 Captain
Engine Co. 13		  

Was in a coma for 16 years as a result of oxygen deprivation following a fall caused by a rotten step while searching the basement of the Barkwell School, 5295 Barkwell.
Richard Nickels
 Richard Nickels
panel 2  number 34
  

4/3/2013

 

 9/2/1983  

Captain
Hook of Ladder #2

  

He died from complications of Hepatitis C that he contracted from contact with biological waste while putting out a fire at an apartment building at 1816 West 50th St.
Panel, Number refers to name position on current monument in Willard Park

                 Research and compilation by the Western Reserve Fire Museum at Cleveland.  Direct questions to museum (216 664 6312 museum).

 

 

Project Update

CFD Memorial Update

The restoration of the Cleveland Firefighter Memorial figures is complete. The figures will be reinstalled on Tuesday March 12th. The work was overseen by ICA Art Conservation Group and completed by Thomarios, an Akron based company that specializes in coatings for everything from spacecraft to historic building restoration. We are excited about the finished work and look forward to many years of continued tribute to those Cleveland Firefighters who have made the supreme sacrifice.
This work would not have been possible without the generous donations of the members of the Cleveland Fire Department, its retirees and the generous donations of the late Mr. Sam Miller. We thank you for your continued support.
We will conducting a Re-Dedication of the memorial at the beginning of the annual St. Patrick’s Day memorial hosted by the Cleveland Firefighters Shamrock Club. We invite all members, retirees and their families to the event to both honor the fallen firefighters and to view the revitalized memorial. The ceremony begins at 12:30 on Sunday March 17th at the corner of Erieside Ave. and Lerner Way.
We still have some additional work to be completed on the memorial site that will occur over the coming months. Once completed we look forward to many years of tribute to the memory of those firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you all for your contributions and support which have made this possible. You embody the spirit to “Never Forget”.
CFD Memorial Committee

CFD Memorial Committee

Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Re-Dedication Ceremony St. Patrick’s Day 2019

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17, 2019

Rededication of the Fire Memorial Video

#CLEstpats Cleveland Fire Shamrock Club Memorial and Cleveland Fire Fighters Memorial Rededication.

Posted by Cleveland Fire on Sunday, March 17, 2019