– Firefighter Monument dedication video & photos

Jamestown (CSi) A large turnout was on hand, as the fire fighter statue, and memorial in front of the Jamestown City Fire Hall was dedicated on Wednesday Oct 8, 2014. Photos by Matt Sheppard. Video by Thomas Ravely. More photos at Facebook. Tag & Share.

As seen on CSi TV 10 – The Replay Channel

Photos by Matt Sheppard – More at Facebook.

City Fire Chief, Jim Reuther MC’d the program. He pointed out that the statue was purchased with memorial funds given in remembrance of long-time Jamestown City Fire Department, volunteer, and Deputy Chief Gerald (Jerry) Kainz who passed away in July this year.

Jerry served the department for 46 years, and went on 3,000 fire calls over the years.

Chief Reuther pointed out that donations in honor of Jerry Kainz, suggested by Nadine Kainz, were first earmarked for the purchase of equipment.

However, city fire fighters decided instead to use the dollars, which came in from around the United States to construct the memorial, including the statue and 1400 paver bricks, some of which indicate the name and service dates of 86 past Jamestown fire fighters.

The statue pays homage to “All Firefighters, Past, Present, and Future,” which will be written on a black granite plaque to be installed at the statue.

There is also a time capsule placed beneath the brick pavers, with instructions to open it in the year 2064.

Those speaking at Wednesday’s dedication included:

Jerry’s family, wife Nadine and son, Chad.

Nadine talked about her pride in the fire fighters, for their commitment, and thanked those who donated to the memorial including those who gave labor and materials. She was given, by Chief Reuther, a Certificate of Service awarded to Jerry.

Chad spoke of the fire fighters who have given of themselves, and all were remembered this day, and will be in the future.

Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen said the large turnout by the community for the dedication was a sign of appreciation the community has for the fire fighters.

She read the Jamestown City Council’s proclamation in honor of Jerry.

Volunteer Firefighters, President, Mark Urquhart, said Jerry Kainz “was a true mentor,” to the incoming fire fighters.

Also in attendance were past Jamestown City Fire Chiefs, Mel Kachel, and David Robertson, along with past members of the fire department.

Eight Partisan Awards were given out, to those who donated time, labor or materials to the memorial project.

Those include Aggregate Industries, Hillerud Construction, Total Recon, Lindberg Brothers, Walsh Masonry, Hatch Construction, and Dave and JoAnn Vining, who will support maintenance of the statue.

Refreshments were served following the dedication.

The event was covered by www.CsiNewsNow.com with photos posted.

Previously…

Jamestown (CSi) Members of the Jamestown Fire Department were placing commemorative bricks around a firefighter statue in front of the City Fire Hall. The statue is “all firefighters, past present and future.”