For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Firefighters from across the state will assemble to honor the fallen firefighters of the State of Wisconsin and pay special tribute to those who died in 2019 and 2020 at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial.

This year’s tribute will be held in honor of: Milwaukee Fire Paramedic Lieutenant Odell Minor, March 9, 2019; Appleton Fire Driver/Engineer Mitchell Lundgaard, May 15, 2019; Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Firefighter Brian Serdynski, Nov. 2, 2019; Ixonia Fire EMS Captain Kelly Raether, Nov. 26, 2020; EMS Captain Kelly Raether Firefighter Dave Tomlinson, Dec. 6, 2020; and Clayton Fire Donald Kittelson, Dec. 17, 2020.

“The public is invited to attend the ceremony that will be held on the lawn surrounding the memorial. The ceremony will include the reading of the names on the memorial, bagpipes, choral presentations and the traditional Firefighter’s Bell Ceremony,” a release from

Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial President Jim Luty stated.

Following the ceremony at 7 p.m., firefighters will participate in the Final Alarm Silent Procession. Firefighters will drive emergency equipment with lights on and sirens off through Wisconsin Rapids streets. The procession will begin and end at the Firefighters Memorial at Ben Hansen Park, 2031 Second Ave. South, Wisconsin Rapids.

Parade Route

Leaving WSFM heading northeast on Second Avenue South. After crossing West Riverview Expressway, Second Avenue South becomes Third Avenue. Continue on Third Avenue to West Jackson Street. Turn right West Jackson Street and continue across the Jackson Street Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left onto First Street. Continue through traffic circle onto Baker Street. Follow Baker Street up the hill to 16th Street. Turn right onto 16th Street and follow it to East Grand Avenue. Turn right onto East Grand Avenue and follow it across Grand Avenue Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left onto First Avenue South and follow to Third Avenue South. Turn left onto Third Avenue South, which becomes Second Avenue South, and follow back to the Memorial.