Memorial created for fallen police, firefighters
Courtesy of the City of Newberry – February 16, 2024
NEWBERRY – The Newberry Public Safety Complex, located at 1507 Nance Street, is now home to a memorial for fallen City of Newberry police officers and firefighters thanks to a generous donation.
Generous Donation
Tami Taylor, owner of La-T-Da’s Garden Creation, LLC in Spartanburg, reached out to Police Chief Kevin Goodman last year after the passing of Lt. Michael Wood, wanting to do a memorial garden in his honor. “She advised that she goes around the state doing memorials at no cost for departments that lose officers in the line of duty,” Goodman said.
Goodman shared that it had been a desire of his since becoming chief to have a memorial for fallen officers. The idea had also been discussed with former fire chief Keith Minick and now current Chief Gene Shealy, who shared the same vision.
Memorial Unveiling
“When Tami met with me to look at the building layout, I shared with her about our previous plans to do a memorial for both police and fire between the two employee entrances,” Goodman said. “She fell in love with the idea and it took off from there.”
The statues in the memorial were generously donated by Taylor, with the mulch being provided by The Original Landscape Supply in Chapin. Members of both the police and fire departments also volunteered their time to assist in pulling everything together.
Recognition of Sacrifices
“It is great to finally memorialize our fallen firefighters and police officers in the city,” said Chief Shealy. “These are sacrifices that should be recognized by future generations of staff and citizens.” Shealy expressed the city’s appreciation towards Taylor and the collaborative effort that made the memorial a reality.
Overall, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery and service of the fallen police officers and firefighters of the City of Newberry, honoring their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
For more information about the memorial or to visit it, contact the City of Newberry Public Safety Complex.