History
The vision for the Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial began in the late 1980s with State Fire Marshal Sam Neal, who recognized the need for a place to honor Alaska’s firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. After years of dedicated fundraising and community support, this vision became a reality in 1995. That year, during the ASFA/AFCA Fire Conference in Anchorage, the Memorial was officially constructed and dedicated.
The dedication ceremony was a meaningful event, featuring presentations by State Fire Marshal Sam Neal, Chaplain Bert McQueen, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, Ed McCormick of the Alliance of Fire & Emergency Associations, and Joe Albrecht of the Anchorage Fire Department.
The original Memorial Committee brought together passionate individuals from across Alaska’s fire service community:
Mona Biggs, Anchorage Fire Department
Tom Take, State of Alaska
Mark Barker, Fire Service Training
Jim Kenshalo, Anchorage Fire Department
The first Memorial stood on Airport Heights Boulevard in Anchorage, near AFD Station 3 and the State of Alaska Fire Training Center. Its creation was a true partnership, with support from the State of Alaska Fire Service Training Office, the Anchorage Fire Department Training Division, the State of Alaska Job Corps Training Office, and contributions from Kulis Air Guard.
From these collaborative beginnings, the Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial has become a lasting tribute—a place of reflection, remembrance, and community for all Alaskans.
