Annual Memorial

The Memorial itself was dedicated on May 6, 2006. Surrounding this central masterpiece sculpture is a brick wall with granite slabs on which are engraved the names of all North Carolina’s fallen firefighters, both past and present, as well as space to honor those who may be added in the future …thus becoming a “living memorial”. 

The central sculpture appropriately named “Heroism & Sacrifice” is comprised of four life-size bronze firefighters in a realistic action collapsed building fatal fire scene, uniquely the first time such has been created in a large prestigious memorial. One firefighter is dying, having been crushed by a fallen I-beam; a comrade is holding the fallen firefighter’s head and calling for help; another firefighter is struggling to lift off the heavy I-beam; and the fourth firefighter is using an attack hose to keep the fire away from the rest of the team. Their realistic facial expressions add to the intense drama and impact of this unique Memorial. Designed for 360-degree viewing, wherever a visitor stands, the face of at least one firefighter is always visible. The sculpture contains lighting for night-time fire effects.