Iowa Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion

Iowa Firefighters Association Members, 

   By now most of you are aware that the Iowa Firefighters Memorial in Coralville will need an expansion in order to accommodate the anticipated additional firefighter names on its walls.

   The Iowa Firefighters Memorial was created to honor Iowa Firefighters, past, present and future. 

   In 1989 a committee was formed to pursue building a Memorial for Iowa’s firefighters. Fundraising began for the project and after much hard work the Iowa Firefighters Memorial was constructed and dedicated on 4/10/1994. At that time, it was thought that the walls that hold the engraved names of firefighters would be adequate for many years into the future. However, the requests for firefighter names to be added to the walls exceeded expectations. The Memorial was very well accepted and within a few years it was obvious that there would need to be an expansion much sooner than expected. 

   In 1999 the architect that had drawn up the original plans for the Memorial site was asked to draw up plans for the first expansion. Fundraising was stepped up as the cost of the expansion was estimated to be $183,000. This first expansion was completed in 2005.

   By 2010 it was determined that a second wall expansion would be needed and was completed. Small donations continually come into the Iowa Firefighters Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to cover expenses in addition to the major fundraisers for the expansion projects. 

   Which brings us to today. There are at this time over 3,300 names on the Memorial walls and another expansion will be necessary in the next few years. At this year’s Mid-Year meeting in March, the Iowa Firefighters Memorial Committee met and discussed this years upcoming Memorial service in June along with the need for another wall expansion in the near future. Since that meeting the Memorial Committee has decided to move forward with another expansion at this time. Costs to complete the project will only increase in the future so moving forward now makes sense.

   Projected cost of this expansion is $300,000. Fundraising has already begun with about one-third of the money raised. A fundraising committee has been established to help raise the remainder of the needed money so construction can begin yet this fall or after the 2026 Memorial Service. 

   We are reaching out to every firefighter in Iowa in hopes that they will find a place in their hearts to help financially, so that this project can be completed. 

   Every firefighter in Iowa has a connection to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial either with a family member, friend or local department members name being engraved on one of the Memorial walls. Many of you have attended one of the annual Memorial services and have seen first hand what a beautiful and moving service it is, especially to surviving family members. If you have not been there yet please consider coming to this year’s 30th Memorial service in June, or just stop by the Memorial site anytime when passing by Coralville.  

   In closing, again we ask that you please help support this project, all donations big or small are greatly appreciated. The major part of funding to build, maintain and expand the Iowa Firefighters Memorial has always come from you the FIREFIGHTERS of Iowa. We want the Iowa Firefighters Memorial site to be there and well maintained giving the deserved honor and respect to every firefighter in Iowa, PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE!

   As mentioned previously the Iowa Firefighters Memorial is a 501(c)(3), checks should be made out to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial and sent to Mike Reuman, PO Box 7, Traer, IA 50675.

   Respectably, 

The Iowa Firefighters

Memorial Wall Expansion - Fundraising Committee

Jim Thiele - Chairman

Tom Campbell

Dick Frank

Scott Hagenson

Brian Platz

Mike Reuman

Marv Trimble

Dave Zimple