On February 6, 1997, the Stockton Fire Department suffered a tragic loss as two firefighters, Brett Alan Laws and Bryan Jacob Golden gave their lives trying to save the life of an elderly resident who was trapped in her two-story home. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial is a tribute to these heroic firefighters as well as all of Stockton's firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This beautiful life-size monument was dedicated on October 11, 1998 and is located at McLeod Lake in downtown Stockton. The monument was designed and sculpted by artist, Betty Saletta.

Around the base of the monument are the names of the thirteen firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty during the history of the Stockton Fire Department.

Augustus Miller...On November 23, 1870, Firefighter Miller was run over by a team of horses from the Weber Engine Company responding to a fire.

Frank “Pope” Kingsley... While responding to a fire on September 10, 1877, was thrown from the Weber hose cart.

Johnnie Williams... As a member of the Weber Engine Company he was thrown from the hose cart responding to a fire July 22, 1886.

David Farrell... While attempting to jump onto the moving hook and ladder truck in route to a fire, firefighter Farrell lost his grip and was run over by the rear wheels on September 2, 1890.

Christopher J. Wolf... On February 13, 1900, Firefighter Wolf fell through the trap door where the sliding pole was located.

Tom J. Walsh... On September 29, 1902, Firefighter Walsh was fatally burned as he attempted to drive the horse cart between two burning structures.

Joaquin Castello... On February 2, 1912, Firefighter Castello fell to his death through a trap door at the Weber Engine Company.

Alexander Vint... Firefighter Vint from the Rose Street Engine Company was electrocuted on July 4, 1918 while fighting a fire.

John P. Fifley... On July 17, 1930, Firefighter Fifley died after developing septicemia, secondary to pneumonia, due to smoke inhalation from the Peffer Music Company Fire in June 1929.

Loren H. Causey... Before the building collapsed at the Japanese Hall on January 29, 1940, Captain Causey along with other firefighters and policemen saved the lives of many. There were many injuries to the rescuers, Captain Causey did not make it out.

James H. Raines... Battalion Chief Raines suffered a heart attack minutes after directing firefighting operations at a church on July 14, 1982.

Brett Alan Laws... On February 6, 1997, Firefighter Laws, a seven year veteran with the department was with the first arriving engine company which made an interior attack while searching for an elderly woman inside her home. The second story of the home collapsed taking the life of the elderly resident and Firefighter Laws.

Bryan Jacob Golden...On February 6, 1997, Firefighter Golden, just out of the recruit academy at his first fire, attempted to search for an elderly woman trapped in her home along with Firefighter Laws. The second story of the home collapsed taking the life of the elderly woman, Firefighter Laws and Firefighter Golden.