Last month the Exempt Fireman’s Association presented to the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council a proposal to construct a Line of Duty Death (LODD) memorial dedicated to Dutchess County firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The county currently has no permanent memorial to honor its fallen heroes, though their names are inscribed at the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Albany. The monument, a 54-foot by 15-foot granite wall, currently contains the names of more than 2,300 fallen firefighters, etched in stone.
The Exempts’ proposed Dutchess County monument would bear the names of 13 local firefighters who have died in the line of duty – including two from the City of Poughkeepsie.
“We’ve been here for 122 years, and we plan to be here for another 122 years. We’d like to get this project moving,” said Exempts member and chairman of the Board of Governors, Chris Petsas, at the April 21 Common Council meeting.
According to Petsas, this project has been in the works since September 2007.
The Exempt Fireman’s Association was organized on Nov. 10, 1886, in an effort to encourage and renew the social intercourse that exists between volunteer fire departments, to provide a headquarters for the enjoyment of its members and to supervise the widows and children of the fallen.
Beginning at 54 Market St. with just 40 members, the Exempts have experienced fluctuations in membership. In 1930 the organization had approximately 600 members; by 1960 membership had dropped to 250, but with more than 2,000 current members, the organization is stronger than ever.
Today the Exempts are located at 200 Mansion St, and the group is one of the oldest firematic organizations in the Hudson Valley. Its membership base includes 22 Dutchess County companies as well as one Ulster County company.
The proposal
With the city’s permission, the Exempts plan to erect a 4.5-foot by 8.5-foot monument in Mansion Square Park, approximately 30 feet from the park’s eastern sidewalk. A 3-foot-wide brick walkway will lead up to the monument, and lighting and flagpoles will surround it.
The face of the monument will bear the names of 13 local fallen fireman, dating back to the beginning of the last century – with space, should additions be necessary. The back of the stone will display the firefighter’s prayer.
According to Petsas, the entire project is expected to cost approximately $40,000. The stone – imported from Africa and purchased through Hyde Park Memorials – is $29,065 of the overall cost. So far the association has paid $8,000 toward the stone.
After the completion of the memorial, the Exempts plan to turn their attention toward restoring the war monument in the middle of the park.
“I’ve sat down with the Exempts and I’ve heard what they have to say. I want to commend that they’ve expressed the desire to assist the city in restoring a second monument in the park. It sounds interesting and promising to collaborate on that effort,” said Robert Mallory (D-3rd Ward) at last month’s Common Council meeting. The site of the proposed monument is in Mallory’s ward, and he has been working with the Exempts to get the project in motion.
Mayor John Tkazyik suggested setting up an in-house meeting to discuss the issue further, but so far, no date has been set.
“I think the city council seemed very supportive. It was nice to see the reception. The support is there and it’s going to happen; it’s just a matter of when,” said Petsas.