Worcester, MASS. — It was an emotional day for many in Worcester on Sunday, as the city dedicated the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Institute Park.

The memorial includes a new walkway which stretches into Institute Park. Visitors can walk over a short bridge to stroll along the walkway. 

It pays tribute to every Worcester firefighter who lost their life in the line of duty, including the nine who passed away in the last 22 years. It also recognizes the department's active duty deaths.

Most recently, the department mourned the loss of Lt. Jason Menard, who died in November 2019. The funds for the memorial were raised through the Worcester Firefighters 6K race.

"This memorial is a testament to the quote that’s on the Worcester Six memorial, that our fallen heroes will never be forgotten," Worcester Mayor Joe Petty said. "This is a promise kept to their memory and all those who came before and since."

"Many of you here today have worked very hard over the last two decades to ensure there’d be a proper and fitting memorial," Worcester Fire Deputy Chief Martin Dyer added. "Your hard work, dedication and persistence paid off, resulting in this magnificent walkway and memorial that exhibits the strength of those we lost, while embodying the quiet honor in which they carried out their service."

Also celebrated Sunday were the renovations to O'Connell Field, which include a brand new synthetic field for field hockey, lacrosse and football.