Fundraising is underway for an expansion of the Iowa Firefighters Memorial, located along I-80 near Coralville.
Nearly 3,800 names have been added to the granite walls of the Memorial in 30 years. “When the committee started working on the project in 1989, we talked about it extensively with the architect and he thought the walls would last 100 years,” said committee member Mike Reuman. “Until you do something you won’t know how well it will be accepted. No one envisioned it being received this well.”
Initially, a couple hundred names were engraved. In 1999, plans were drawn up for an expansion of the walls, which was completed in 2005. By 2010, a second expansion was needed.
The projected cost of the third expansion is $300,000. Already, $200,000 has been raised, leaving $100,000 still needed. The goal is to raise the money so construction can begin in June 2026.
“The committee has really stepped it up. They want to get this done as quickly as possible because every year we wait adds to the cost due to inflation,” Mike said. “At the recent 2025 Memorial Service, we had a table set up with prints to sell to raise funds and accept donations. When we counted the money, there was more than $12,000, and most of it was in donations. One customer handed us a check for a $180 print; the check was for $2,000.”
More than 50 fire departments have donated at least $1,000 and challenged others to match or exceed the gift.
The expansion will add 12 new granite panels and include sidewalk work, drainage and lighting.
“With this expansion, we hope it will last another 30 years before needing more room for additional names,” Mike said.
Honoring firefighters and families
Each year’s Memorial Service is moving for families and the fire service community. At this year’s service, a sign language interpreter was arranged so a hearing-impaired granddaughter could participate when her grandfather’s name was added.
“We want the Iowa Firefighters Memorial site to be well maintained, giving the deserved honor and respect to every firefighter in Iowa, past, present and future,” the fundraising committee wrote.
The site provides a place where all Iowa firefighters who have served their communities or have given the ultimate sacrifice in a line-of-duty death are honored in perpetuity. The visitor center includes restrooms, a guest book and displays. Several thousand people stop each year, including international visitors.
“It’s amazing. People from all over the world stop. There was one visitor from India the Saturday before the candlelight Memorial Service,” Mike said.
Stories of reflection and remembrance
The Memorial also inspires powerful stories. Just three days after the 9/11 attacks, survivor John Campbell, who escaped from the 64th floor of the World Trade Center, stopped at the site while driving west. He left a note that read in part: “Coming out of the World Trade Center after walking down 64 flights of stairs, I saw your brethren walking single file marching toward the depths of hell. Brave heroes. Nothing describes what they did. The rest of my life I will honor your profession as the magnificent people you are.”
A retired New York City firefighter also visited the Memorial in 2003, leaving his helmet, caps and patches from Ground Zero, along with a two-page letter. Coralville Chief Dave Stannard secured the items, which remain on display at the Visitor Center.
Supporting the expansion
The Iowa Firefighters Memorial is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations can be made to: Iowa Firefighters Memorial Wall Expansion Project, Attn. Mike Reuman, Iowa Firefighters Memorial, P.O. Box 7, Traer, IA 50675.
Any person, fire department or business that donates $5,000 or more will receive a 2025 print, and donations of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 or more will be honored with on-site recognition.
For more information, contact committee chair Jim Thiele at 641-494-9677.
Jeff Gargano is a volunteer firefighter and publisher of several Fire Association newsletters, including in Iowa. Ann Foster Thelen is the editor of Iowa Electric Cooperative Living magazine.
Meet some employees of Iowa’s electric cooperatives who share why they serve as volunteer firefighters in their communities:
“My grandfather and dad were both on Cascade’s volunteer fire department, and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps and help the community. Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative supports volunteer efforts by giving us some paid time off hours to use and also donates $1 for every hour I volunteer. Last year, that added up to $250 for my hours alone, which went to the Cascade Fire Department. There is huge need in small communities for people to step up and volunteer, whether that’s on the fire department or with other groups.”
Cody Koppes, fiber staking technician Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative 14 years as a volunteer firefighter Cascade Fire Department
“I knew there was a need for volunteer firefighters in Iowa’s smaller communities, so I wanted to help out. The co-op is very supportive of having its employees volunteer, not just on the fire department, but with other organizations, too.”
Jack Scanlan, line superintendent Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative 35 years as a volunteer firefighter Glidden Fire Department
“I’m at a point in my life where I have time to volunteer and give back to the community. My son is on the fire department, too, so it’s fun to also spend time with him and watch him excel in his field. Whether you’re on the fire department, a volunteer EMT or helping the community in another way, the co-op supports our efforts.”
Ryan Wagner, Manager of member services Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative 8 years as a volunteer firefighter West Union Fire Department (pictured on the left with his son)
“I started volunteering because I wanted to be closer with my community. My grandpa and great grandpa were both on the Lake Mills Fire Department. I’m proud of how Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative supports our volunteer efforts, whether that’s allowing us to help on calls if we’re available or considering applications through Operation Round Up grants. Last year, those funds helped us get four new fire suits for the Lakota Fire Department.”
Dylan Low, lineman Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative 4 years as a volunteer firefighter Lakota Fire Department (pictured far right)
