Memorial Garden New Plaque
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- Created on Tuesday, 06 September 2016 19:43
- Written by Taylor West
ST. JOHNSBURY - Following the anniversary of his death, St. Johnsbury firefighters are working to honor fallen firefighter Eugene McDonough.
The memorial garden that stands in front of the St. Johnsbury fire department remembers firefighter McDonough who died in the line of duty in 1998. The fire department was fighting a warehouse fire on Sept. 5 in Lyndonville when a brick wall collapsed and killed him.
A number of firefighters and local businesses, lead by Aaron Martin, have worked to improve the memorial for the past two years. At the center of the improvements is a new plaque, which details McDonough's story.
The plaque, which was paid for by the Box 36 Club, was not the only improvement. Drinkwater's Nursery and Landscaping donated two shrubs to the garden, and Walbridge Welding, and Performance Powder Coating also donated materials and labor to complete the project.
On Friday, firefighters will honor McDonough through the annual memorial golf tournament that raises money for a scholarship fund in his name. The Gene McDonough Memorial Scholarship awards up to $4,000 to students pursuing a career in emergency services.
Since the golf tournament started in 2000, the scholarship has helped over ten people go on to achieve careers as firefighters and first responders.
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