September 11, 2001 is the day we first heard the words “Let’s roll!” which were uttered by Todd Beamer one of the Heroes of United Airlines Flight 93, the ill-fated plane that crashed to the ground in Pennsylvania. Three years have passed since then, and still we grieve for all of those who lost their lives that day. No one will ever forget them or the 343 New York Firefighters that paid the ultimate price. On September 11, 2004, Fallbrook Firefighters Association, The North County Fire Protection District and the Community of Fallbrook dedicated a life-size bronze statue. The sculpture depicts a firefighter and a boy with a Dalmatian as they step out of a burning structure. Not only does the statue pay tribute to FDNY, it pays tribute to the history of Fallbrook Firefighters as they celebrate their 75th anniversary, and honor the past, present, and future of firefighters everywhere.

The idea of a statue to honor firefighters came about prior to the tragedy of 9-11. Rey Lyyjoki Sr., our fellow association member, who was employed by North County Fire Protection District from 1980 until his retirement in July of 1999, passed away in March, 2000. Upon his death, Rey’s son, Rey Lyyjoki Jr., received a check for one thousand dollars as a death benefit from CSFA. Rey Jr., a newly wed with a child on the way, chose to donate the check to Fallbrook Firefighters Association to honor his father’s memory.  Several members of the Association (Mike Hill, Mark Strikwerda, Mike Bongerz, Randy Meers) formed a committee to discuss what to do with the donated money. Slowly, the idea to use Fallbrook’s art talent to create a tribute to firefighters began to take shape and the decision was made to create a bronze sculpture. The new problem became money; it seems we were only $74,000 dollars short. So… the journey began!!

Captain Mike Hill began to talk with local artists when he met sculptor/artist CeLou Bonnet to discuss a tribute to firefighters; he had little inkling of her connection to the North County Fire Protection District. Eight years ago, a head-on collision left Bonnet with a severely lacerated liver, broken ribs, and both legs badly broken. The Firefighter/Paramedics responding to the incident decided to airlift her to the trauma center because transportation by ground would have taken 30 minutes. This decision more than likely saved her life. Bonnet attributes her full recovery to her speedy transfer to the hospital. As an expression of gratitude, the artist has given her time and extraordinary talent to the design of this life-size sculpture to commemorate North County Fire Protection District’s 75 years of service.

Unable to meet the entire cost of the statue, we realized we needed community involvement. We had several fund-raisers including a pancake breakfast, “passing the boot” during several community events, and mailers requesting donations. As the funds slowly accumulated, the community sponsored a black tie event at the Fallbrook Cultural Center. The response was enormous, many people throughout the communities we serve participated in this event. At the reception, community members were able to view two maquettes (miniature replica statues) and place bids on them. Being able to visualize the greatness of the future statue, which would be life size in front of Headquarters, the donations began pouring in. The Fire District Board of Directors agreed to provide the land for the memorial and contributed all additional $5,000 toward the construction cost. Having raised approximately $50,000, Fallbrook Firefighters Association was now able to secure a loan for the remainder of the funds needed for the statue. For this we are grateful to every individual, business and community groups that donated its effort, time or money… Thank You!!

In addition to the bronze statue, a flagpole was also dedicated and cast with granite plaques on four sides. One side is dedicated to our very first Fire Chief William Thurber. He was truly a pioneer with a vision and a dream. With the help of the community, he established the Fallbrook Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Thurber was a leader dedicated to his military service, his community, and his family. This is a tribute to those Volunteers and Reserve Firefighters who, over the years have served the community with devotion and distinction. Their endeavors have contributed to the foundation of what is now the North County Fire Protection District. They will always be remembered.

Besides paying homage to our history, another side of the flagpole is engraved with the words of the Firefighters’ Poem in memory of the 343 members of FDNY – our brothers who were “carried home on angels wings.” The other two sides are dedicated to the Firefighters who have retired from North County Fire Protection District as a tribute for their years of loyal service. 

The statue and flagpole were unveiled in a ceremony on September 11, 2004, when the statue was christened with the title “RESCUE.” If you are ever in the San Diego area, please take a short drive north to the “friendly village” of Fallbrook. The statue stands proudly in front of our Station One, located at 315 East Ivy Street, Fallbrook California. The life-size bronze statue depicts the devotion, dedication and willingness of firefighters EVERYWHERE who are willing to give EVERYTHING for a perfect stranger.

Written by John K. Buchanan

North County Fire Protection District

Engineer/Paramedic/PIO