“Even the death of friends will inspire us as much as there lives…Their memories will be encrusted over with sublime and pleasing thoughts, as monuments of other men are overgrown with moss: for our friends have no place in the graveyard.” - Henry David Thoreau
(Engraved on the left side of the monument)

"Fallen Firefighter" is a bronze monument crafted by artist Betty Branch. Starting from a dream of Roanoke firefighter Vernon Barnard who died of Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1996, this monument is meant to honor the firefighters who lost their lives in service to the citizens of Roanoke. The “Fallen Firefighter” is a bronze monument crafted by artist Betty Branch. Starting from a dream of Roanoke firefighter Vernon Barnard who died of Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1996, this monument is meant to honor the firefighters who lost their lives in service to the citizens of Roanoke. Among three artists, Branch’s sculpture design was chosen by a firefighter memorial committee, city council members, city officials, and fire and EMS staff. Hoping that the “sculpture’s simplicity will be powerful and timeless,” Branch’s design depicts a “kneeling firefighter mourning a fallen comrade.” Behind the monument is a name stone where the names of six firefighters who have died on duty are listed. “The memorial will give family members and co-workers a place to begin the healing process over their loss and the public the opportunity to pay their respects,” said Chuck Wells, the Roanoke Fire Fighters Association president at the time. "Fallen Firefighter" is located in front of the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

About the artist:
Betty Branch has previously exhibited work in Roanoke and is known for her figurative style. Branch has been featured in The Roanoke Times, The Roanoker, and the 25th Annual Sidewalk Art Show. She currently maintains a studio and gallery here in Roanoke, called Betty Branch Sculpture Studio and Gallery. Visit her website a bettybranch.com

Sourced from:
Information was obtained from documents by the Arts Council of the Roanoke Valley.