Letter to the Editor: Firefighter memorial

(City of Downey photo)

Dear Editor:

I am the mother of fallen firefighter Brian Russell Wolf.

My son was born and raised in the community of Downey. He loved this city and dedicated his life to service in the Downey Fire Department in 1989. He rose to Battalion Chief in 2012. In 2013, he died from firefighter-related cancer.

The Downey City Council, with the help of Fire Chief Mark Gillespie, established a beautiful memorial for fallen firefighters of the Downey Fire Department. This memorial sits at the entrance of Downey City Hall. A dedication service occurred this last weekend guided by the City Council and the fire chief.

The memorial is stunning and reminds us of the devotion and dedication the men and women of the Downey Fire Department possess. I want to thank the mayor and council members, especially Sean Ashton, for their efforts in making this memorial a reality. I also want to thank Chief Gillespie for his devotion and instrumental part in this project.

I want to thank all of the Downey Fire Department for their endless support of this community and especially to Brian’s family.

I suggest every citizen of this wonderful community take time to visit this memorial, knowing you are in safe hands, protected by both the Fire Department and Police Department of this community.

Gayla Wolf Rudolph