Wall of remembrance rises for fallen rescuers
By Becky Robinette Wright CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Retired Battalion Chief David Palumbo is spearheading a fundraising effort to build a memorial wall to honor county fire and rescue squad personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Retired Battalion Chief David Palumbo gingerly stepped around the red brick wall, still void of its bronze castings with no walkway yet visible, as he spoke of its mission.

"The wall," Palumbo quietly spoke, "is to remember the county's firefighters and EMS personnel, those who died in the line of duty."

Located at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center at the county's government complex, it will bear the names of three individuals who lost their lives while serving the county and its residents: Joseph W. Sullivan of Matoaca Volunteer Fire Department killed on Nov. 18, 1973; Patrick G. Mason of Bensley Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad killed on Nov. 8, 1981; and Bradley C. McNeer of Bon Air Volunteer Fire Department killed on Dec. 18, 1999.

Along with the names, the wall will display bronze castings of the Chesterfield Fire & EMS seal, including a firefighter's turnout gear with boots, a medical rescue bag to signify EMS and the jaws of life tool used for rescuing trapped victims.

Palumbo

The project is no small undertaking. About 12,000 bricks are still needed just to finish the front paving, and the bronze castings still need to be done. The wall is being completed in stages as the funds are acquired.

"This project has been in the works for years. Designs had to be decided on, plans drawn up, funds are being raised. The projected cost of the wall is $120,000. To date the wall fund still needs about $35,000," said Palumbo.

The county has provided $10,000 from district improvement funds. "The remainder of the project is being supported by donated materials, private donations and brick sales," elaborates Palumbo.

Now retired Chesterfield Fire Chief Steve Elswick approached Palumbo about building the wall in 2003. "Chief Elswick asked me to accept an assignment to do the wall project. I knew it would be a major undertaking, but I wholeheartedly supported it. I accepted and now am chairman for the project."

His fire department training has given him the fortitude to see the project all the way through. "I set a goal," Palumbo said. "If I don't reach it, I just set another one."

Anyone wishing to purchase a brick (prices start at $100) or make a donation can call 318- 8009. Checks made payable to "Chesterfield Fire and EMS Memorial" can be mailed to Chesterfield Fire and EMS Memorial, P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, VA 23832.