Memorial Garden Planned to Honor Fallen Firefighters

South Zanesville- Each day firefighters put their lives on the line to help those in the community at some of their weakest moments.

In South Zanesville, two firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice. Lawrence Savage passed away in 1982. He was operating a fire engine when he experienced a medical emergency and passed away at a local hospital. Terry Richard “Dick” Guss Senior died in 2013. He slipped on ice on the running board of a fire truck and landed on the concrete floor. He succumbed to his injuries a few days later. Both proudly served their communities.

To honor their sacrifice the South Zanesville Fire Department is raising funds for a memorial garden.                                

“We forget our fallen firefighters a lot, especially in small communities. This is just something. They’ve given their life for us and for this community. We want to give back to them and honor their families to show that we still love you, we still care, and we still miss you everyday,” said Chief Russell Taylor of the South Zanesville Fire Department.

The memorial will feature benches that surround the South Zanesville Fire Department Shield. Two of the benches will be engraved with Guss and Savage’s names. They’ll also be a bronze fire helmet on a pedestal.

“That helmet is going to serve as a time capsule. Inside we’ll put current stuff in it so that 100 years from now someone can look in it,” explained Taylor.

The cost of the memorial is $60,000. If you would like to donate to the fund for the memorial the department is selling engraved bricks and various packages that contain a spot on a plaque and bricks. You can buy a brick or make a donation by visiting the South Zanesville Fire Department or by visiting their website.