The Frankfort Fire Department is continuing its fund raising campaign for the Firefighters Memorial Park project.
Although the park was officially dedicated on Sept. 28, funds are still needed for the maintenance, additional inscriptions, and future memorial plans, according to Chief Chuck Conigliaro.
Big Willy’s Pizzeria, of Frankfort, recently made a $200 donation in memoriam of former firefighter R.J. MaLoon, who died in 2006 due to illness at the age of 37.
The funds will go toward fostering the park’s development, and both R.J.’s mother, Pat MaLoon, and Big Willy’s owner, Bill Evans, agreed it was money well spent.
“(R.J.) was one of our friends, he was always there to help if you needed him,“ said Evans. “We felt this was a good way to honor and remember him...He was a good kid.”
Wiping away tears and hugging Evans, Pat could only manage to whisper “Thank you.”
Conigliaro applied donations to the context of the memorial.
“The park is dedicated to those citizens who gave of themselves in the service of others. The vision is supported by all of the present and future inscriptions...(the goal) is that we never forget those who served,” he stated.
Future plans for the park include: continuing inscriptions, additional stones, a sculpture by a local artist, and a partnership with local Elk’s Lodges for a regional 9/11 memorial.
Donations of any amount are accepted and memorial levels of inscriptions can be in honor or memory of any individual, family, or business, according to the Chief.
For information, check the Web site www.villageoffrankfortny.org. Click on Parks and Recreation, and then the Firefighters Memorial Park.
Frankfort, N.Y. —
