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Police officers and Firefighters to be Honored with Memorial dedication On the Fourth of July, the city of Beaumont will officially dedicate a Public Safety Memorial to honor police officers and firefighters. Their names will be etched in granite to remind us of their sacrifice and service. "We wish to celebrate the lives of these dedicated public servants, and so we're inviting everyone to join us on July 4th at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall," said Councilman Jeff Fox, who is chairman of the Beaumont Public Safety Memorial Committee. Fox and other dignitaries will address a gathering that will include representatives from local law enforcement. The Memorial, located at 550 E. 6th St. on the lawn area in front of the Civic Center, pays tribute to police officers and firefighters from Beaumont and Cherry Valley who died either in the line of duty or after their careers in public safety ended. Hallowed ground Throughout the United States and in the Inland Empire, memorials have been erected to honor those who served and sacrificed to protect the public. Some of the most famous sites include the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and the "Safe in His Arms" memorial statue in Riverside. "We want to recognize all who served us so bravely and with such distinction," Fox said. " Please continue submitting names to be inscribed on the city of Beaumont's Public Safety Memorial." Forms can be picked up at City Hall or downloaded on line at www.BeaumontCares.com. Public Safety Memorial supporters can purchase "Memorial" bricks for $100 and have personal messages inscribed. "Memorial" coins are also on sale for $15. Monetary donations are welcome, too. Donations will help pay for improvements to the Memorial like two bronze statues depicting a kneeling police officer and a kneeling firefighter. For information, please call 951769-8520. 8 BEAUMONT NOW | JUNE 2013 Photos by Rigo Pena for the City of Beaumont

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