The North Greece Fire Department’s First Responder Memorial, located on the grounds of Station One, 645 North Greece Road, is approaching its first anniversary. The memorial honors all first responders who have sacrificed their lives or placed themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Plaques honor the sacrifice of the First Responders and brave civilians during 9/11 as well as plaques showing the timeline and evolution of the North Greece Fire Department.
This heartfelt tribute, to date, has been made possible through the generosity and support of the members of the North Greece Fire Department (Volunteer Firefighters, Auxiliary, Exempts, Career staff and Fire District). Numerous community donors have also supported this effort, and those contributions have been instrumental in bringing the brick, stone, and bronze memorial to fruition.
The pathway leading to the memorial is a unique and meaningful feature, constructed from personalized bricks donated by members of the North Greece Fire Department, their families, and the general community. Each brick, engraved with names and messages, represents the over 100-year history of the Department and reflects the deep and personal connections of the donors. The path can contain 450 personalized bricks and 350 have been placed to date.
The Fire Department is conducting a drive this spring to complete the remaining 100 personalized bricks. The bricks can be ordered by credit card on a website which allows for easy customization, and an image of the personalized brick is provided for approval prior to ordering. Two brick sizes are available for selection, a 4”x8” format and an 8”x8” format. Text can be added, and a large selection of graphics are available for use at no cost. Community donations for a personalized brick can be made at www.thatsmybrick.com/northgreecefd.
The pathway leading to the memorial contains the names of many of the past and present members of the Department and represents over 100 years of service. Many of the bricks have been donated by the general community – both residents and businesses and demonstrate support for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve. These community bricks are now forever part of the history of the North Greece Fire Department.
The memorial provides a serene and beautiful environment offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance. Community members are always welcome to walk the pathway, sit on the benches, and spend some quiet time at the Memorial. Volunteers of the Fire Department maintain the gardens flanking the Memorial and change out the plantings to provide seasonal interest for those spending time at the site. Planned community events during 2025 will also be held at the Memorial.
Any questions or assistance required to donate a brick at the website can be addressed to Al Camp, NGFD, by calling 585-303-1249 or emailing acamp@northgreecefd.com.
The Fire Department is grateful and expresses their deep gratitude to all contributors. The creation of this memorial has proven to be a community effort and will continue to do so as the personalized brick program will continue to be offered as the pathway is completed. Program chair Al Camp said, “We are profoundly grateful for the businesses and community residents who have donated and continue to donate personalized bricks. Their support honors the memory of all first responders and further strengthens the bonds within our community.”
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