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More than a decade ago, retired WPFMHG Treasurer and PBF Captain, Donald Dorsey, emerged unhurt after a violent fall through the floor while attacking a fire at a caretaker's home in a Pittsburgh cemetary. He returned Sep. 2, 1995, to unveil and dedicate the Western Pennsylvania Firefighters Memorial to peers who couldn't escape misfortune and died on the job.

"To them, we say that they will not be forgotten," said Dorsey, now treasurer of Pittsburgh Firefighters Local #1 and a captain at Engine Company 39, a few blocks from the memorial. "There have been too many guys who have died in the line of duty."

The monument, which sits in Voegtly Cemetery on publicly donated property, is a tribute to all those who have battled flames.

It was built with the sweat of artists and laborers. Broken down, its many components are individually symbolic.

A dalmation puppy, a tear dripping from his right eye, clutches in its teeth a worn helmet from Engine Company 17. Next to it is a pair of boots and two more helmets from Engine Company 8. This scene pays tribute to the three firefighters who died in the line of duty on February 14, 1995 and spurred the completion of this project.

On the triangular pedestal, which represents Pittsburgh's three rivers, rests a helmet from Engine Company 1. This was chosen because from the tiniest village to the largest city, there is usually an Engine Company 1. This memorial was designed by volunteer fire Lieutenant and WPFM Director, Kenneth Bacha of Greensburg, PA.

There is more, however, to the memorial than granite, bronze and the love that put it together. It is the visual symbol of the MEMORIAL FUND that is used to support the families of firefighters who are killed in the line of duty in the nine county area that makes up our Western Pennsylvania
Click Here to view the standard for use of the Pennsylvania Firefighters’ Memorial Flag
Fallen Firefighters Web Memorial...  of Pittsburgh area firefighters
This section is a tribute to all who have served the fire / ems service in Pittsburgh metro region, and who now watch over us as we attempt to save lives. The names on this list are very special people who dedicated their lives to help others. We will never forget you, and thank you for all you gave.

Click Here to have a firefighter added to this memorial section
Firefighter Name Department City Year Passed
Rickey Altemara Castle Shannon VFD Castle Shannon 2008
Charles G. Brace Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 2004
Thomas Brooks Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 1995
Nathan Burnfield Canton Twp VFC Washington 2008
Richard Burns Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 2008
William F. Busch Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 2008
Patricia Conroy Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 1995
Thomas DeAngelis Stowe Township FD McKees Rocks 2004
Keith Firment Marguerite VFD Latrobe 2004
Rich Gabrielli George G. McMurty VFD Vandergrift 2004
Alphonse "Vince" Germano Derry Borough VFD Derry 2007
Eric Greb Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 2008
Brad Holmes Pine Township VFD Pine Township 2008
Harvey Jordan Penn Hills #1 VFD Pittsburgh 2009
Marc Kolenda Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 1995
Jeremy LaBella Washington City FD Washington 2007
Brandon Lewis Circleville VFD North Huntingdon 2009
Eric L. Mangieri New Kensington Fire Dept Engine Co # 4 New Kensington 1995
William "Spence" Marks Munhall Volunteer Fire Comapny # 1 Munhall 1995
Philip Pieto Quaill District Firemen's Assoc Ross Township 1978
Richard A. Stefanakis Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Pittsburgh 2004
Mike Switala Lower Burrell FD#3 Lower Burrell 2005
Joseph Vagnier Monroeville VFC#4 Monroeville 1997
Bob Valetti Castle Shannon VFD Castle Shannon 2008
David Vinisky Raccoon Township VFD Raccoon Township 2004
Harold Vitte Castle Shannon VFD Castle Shannon 2008
Sean Whiten Roscoe VFD Roscoe 2008
Click Here to view the standard for use of the Pennsylvania Firefighters’ Memorial Flag
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