The Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial was officially dedicated Wednesday afternoon at 1018 S Polk St. in Amarillo. The memorial honors 110 fallen first responders from 50 agencies across the Panhandle.
The ceremony included a combined first responder Honor Guard, a 21-gun salute and the traditional firefighter's Last Alarm. The names of all 110 fallen first responders were read for individual recognition.
Todd Beckum, board president of Friends of AJ Swope, the nonprofit that led fundraising and construction, said the day was both solemn and joyful. "We are so proud to give this memorial to the families and the friends of the fallen and all of the Texas Panhandle," Beckum said. He also said, "We owe them a debt that we cannot pay."
The Friends of AJ Swope signed a $1-a-year lease with the City of Amarillo for the land in August 2022. The project broke ground in January.