The Chelsea Fire Department has begun a major renovation project for the Chelsea Firefighters Memorial that is situated outside the local fire alarm headquarters.
Chelsea Fire Capt. Michael Thompson points to the stone plate marking the original opening date of the memorial. The firefighters have launched a renovation project to restore the site.
Fire Captain Michael Thompson said the
memorial was first erected in 1972 and there has been no refurbishing at the
site since that time.
“Our goal is to revamp the entire site,”
said Thompson, a 32-year veteran of the department. “We will erect granite
walls with the names of our deceased firefighters.”
City Manager Tom Ambrosino met with Deputy
Chief Michael Masucci to discuss the project. Ambrosino gave the official
go-ahead for the project.
Seeking to raise monies to defray the cost
of the project, the firefighters will hold a “Chili Selloff” fundraiser this
Saturday, April 6 at the Mystic Brewery, Chelsea.
“Bryan Greenhagan (owner of the brewery) has
graciously invited us to sell chili from 1 to 9 p.m. on that day, with the
proceeds going to the rebuilding of the memorial,” said Thompson.
Chris Flahive and his team of chefs from the
Chelsea Yacht Club will team up with the firefighters to cook up 40 gallons of
chili for the event.
On
April 13 at the New Brown Jug, owner Michael Matrinko will host a fundraiser
during which 20 percent of all food sales will go the firefighters memorial
fund. There will be a raffle drawing for a $10,000 cash prize.
Every year on the first Sunday of June, the
firefighters hold ceremonies at the site. Thompson is hopeful that the project
will be completed by that date.
“I’m very excited to see this come to
fruition,” said Thompson. “With the help of the citizens of Chelsea, we’re
going to meet our goal and get it done.”
(Donations for
the project can be sent to the Chelsea Firefighters Memorial Fund, P.O. 505616,
Chelsea, MA 02150).
Link:
Fire Department Works To Renovate Firefighters Memorial