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| Mission of the Iowa Firefighters
Memorial
The mission of the Iowa Firefighters Memorial is to forever honor, celebrate and inspire the spirit, courage and service of Iowa firefighters-past, present and future. The memorial park is an inspiration to Iowans of all ages to continue the tradition in Iowa of service to each other and to our communities. Iowa is the first state to have a firefighter memorial and visitor center echoing Iowa's national leadership in fire service training and safety education. Iowa has 2O,OOO firefighters organized in 871 fire departments. Every year these men and women serve 3 million Iowans in more than 4O,OOO emergency calls. Every Iowan will be touched at some point in life through fire rescue, emergency response, fire prevention education, or hazardous materials cleanup. This memorial park exemplifies Iowa-its pride, family values, community service, and commitment to quality. The site includes the memorial sculpture and wall, eternal flame and a visitor center with restroom facilities. Ample parking and peaceful landscaping complement the tranquil view. History of the Memorial In 1988, Mike Reuman, a firefighter from Traer, Iowa on vacation in another state noticed a sign pointing to a firefighter's memorial in a near by state park. His stop catalyzed the start of a project in which Iowans can take great pride. In 1990 the Iowa Firefighters Association commissioned a bronze memorial sculpture. Their challenge was to find a home suitable for such a touching memorial. After an extensive application process, research and site visits, the Iowa Firefighters Association, in 1992, chose Coralville due to it's scenic hilltop location, ease of access for Interstate travelers, availability 365 days a year, a visitor center and park like atmosphere, proximity to hotels and restaurants and commitment of Coralville/Iowa City leaders to create and perpetually care for the site. The memorial park was dedicated April 10, 1994 at a ceremony attended by 2,500 firefighters and fellow Iowans.
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