IN MEMORY

OF

VOLUNTEER

FIREMEN CO’S

No. 1,2,3,4, & 5.

& H & L. CO No. 1.

ERECTED 1902

Firefighting Companies were vital to all communities which could be swept away by fire.  Entire communities could be lost to flame, so volunteer and professional firefighters were vital to save lives and citizens’ homes and businesses.  Firefighters had to be ready at a moment’s notice to fly into action and risk life and limb to battle an inferno.

Fire companies formed in communities all across the country. And, in many cemeteries in those villages, towns, and cities monuments have been dedicated to their fallen and valiant firefighters.

The monument in New Albany, Indiana, is dedicated to six fire companies. The monument was erected in the Fairview Cemetery on 1902, and dedicated September 7th of that same year. Charles Edwards sculpted the firefighter—in pewter. The New Albany firm of John Vernia & Son fabricated the monument.

The fireman strikes a heroic pose holding a baby presumably that he rescued.  The firefighter has a clenched right hand to hold a lantern, but the lantern is now missing.  The statue of the firefighter stands atop a limestone plinth that has an engine on one side and the tools of the firefighter’s trade represented on the other three sides.