Sunday, October 7, 2012

About 200 people turned out to honor seven Topeka firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

The gathering Saturday was held at a new monument in their honor.

The red brick Topeka Fallen Firefighter Memorial features a silver fire bell near its top and a bronzed firefighter's helmet, boots and gloves in front. The memorial also has plaques with names of fallen firefighters.

Topeka firefighters devised the monument and built it using private funds. It's outside the front door of fire department headquarters.

Randy Phillips, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 83, said he hopes "we never add another name to this monument."