For Framingham Firefighters Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice, A Tribute Breaks Ground

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Work is beginning on a memorial to Framingham firefighters who have died in the line of duty, and the city will break ground on the tribute Monday.

Plans call for a 6-foot-tall bronze statue of a firefighter outside the Framingham Fire Department headquarters, alongside a granite wall engraved with the names of those who gave their lives in service, the department said this week.

There will also be an area recognizing all past members of the department.

The FFD and the city will host a public groundbreaking at 10 a.m. Monday at the headquarters, 10 Loring Drive.

Officials expect the statue to cost between $70,000 and $80,000. It’s designed by Randolph Rose Collection, a firm in Yonkers, New York, with funding from the Framingham Firefighter Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

So far, work has consisted of procuring contractors, but is now progressing to construction. The fire department says people can purchase a custom-engraved brick to be placed in the memorial, and also welcomes other contributions.

The Framingham Fire Department employs more than 170 people, with nearly a dozen trucks and apparatus and five stations across the city.

The department’s most recent active-duty loss occurred Oct. 4, 2025, when Firefighter Keith Cashman, 52, died of a medical emergency while on duty.

Nationwide, 97 firefighters lost their lives during 2025 while serving their communities, the FFD said.

“This memorial is a deeply meaningful project for our department and the families of those we have lost,” Chief Michael Dutcher said in a statement.

“It is a place where we can reflect, remember and honor the courage and dedication of our firefighters. We are grateful for the community’s support in helping bring this vision to life.”

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