Sondra Hernandez Staff writer September 9, 2024

To allow for greater visibility in the community, the Montgomery County Fallen Firefighters Memorial will move to the county’s Veterans Memorial Park in October. 

The memorial recognizes those who have died in service as a firefighter in Montgomery County. It has been at Conroe’s Lone Star Convention Center since 1998. In 2017, the memorial was updated and a statue of a firefighter was added. 

On Oct. 15, the statue and plaques will be moved to the north end of the veterans’ park in the First Responders Plaza area. 

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‘I owe them this memorial’ 

“Having spent my life serving as a first responder in this county, I personally knew a lot of great men and women that have served our great county and are no longer with us,” said Kevin Hosler, Montgomery County ESD No. 4/Needham Fire Department Chief. “Over my 42 years of service to this county I have worked alongside these great men and women and I feel that I owe them this memorial. I don’t want this county to ever forget where we came from and the men and women that served the citizens if it.”

Hosler chaired the memorial update in 2017 and is working with members of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission to move the statue and plaques. 

The first memorial was installed in 1998. It included a small pedestal and small plaque. After some time, the memorial deteriorated and needed repairs. 

A needed update

In 2016, workers at the convention center approached then County Judge Craig Doyal’s office about the condition of the memorial. Sylvia Olszowy, who was  Doyal’s liaison to emergency services districts throughout the county, asked the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association to look into the memorial’s restoration, which is when Hosler took the reins.

Needham, Magnolia and East Montgomery County fire department members rallied to raise approximately $23,000 for the restoration. The statue was modeled after a similar firefighter statue in front of Needham Fire Department. 

For the restoration, bricks inscribed with the names of fallen firefighters, donors and fire departments, past and present were placed in front of the statue. Hosler said these pavers will remain at the Lone Star Convention Center and a bench will be added to the area on the south side of the convention center. 

The statue and memorial were rededicated in October 2017. Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved the move in late August and Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker’s staff will assist with the move. 

Renewed visibility 

The fallen firefighters memorial will receive an update again from Bakers Signs for placement in the park. 

“We want the memorial to be more visible and allow for more people to enjoy it,” he said. “There are a lot of people who visit this park and (having the memorial there) will bring attention to and honor those who served and have passed.” 

A photo display on either side of the statue will show scenes from Montgomery County’s fire-and-emergency service history. Two panels on the left and right will also recognize those listed on the pavers at the convention center without disturbing the project. 

Honoring the fallen

Montgomery County’s fallen firefighters include Paul Skains (1976); Joe E. Novosad Sr. (1995); Curtis Davidson (2000); Charlie Flowers Sr. (2003); Gary Staley (2003) and Will Wilkinson (2008). 

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During the dedication of the new memorial, the name of Corby McKenzie will be added to the fallen firefighters. His death from cancer in March has been ruled an on-duty death. He served Magnolia and South Montgomery County Fire Departments. 

Additionally QR codes on the memorial will help digitally tell the story of fire-and-emergency service in the county. 

Elizabeth Woods, executive director of the veterans’ commission, said the community can expect a first responders’ processional Oct. 15 as the statue is moved from the convention center to the park. 

“This in itself will be an event as the statue finds its new home,” she said. “Once all the pieces and elements are put together we will have an unveiling at the park.” 

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