Firefighter Tribute
Many amazing men and women dedicate their lives to the service of their communities by becoming civil servants. We honor and thank those individuals and their families for the service and sacrifice they give.
Dow James Memorial
On August 26, 1975 a wildfire broke out near Stockton, about five miles south of Tooele. At the time the procedure was to have the Sheriff’s Department respond to join suppression efforts. Lauren Dow, a member of the Tooele City Volunteer Fire Department, and off-duty deputy sheriff, headed out in a brush truck with Dan James, a Tooele City Animal Control Officer. Both James and Dow lost their lives when a sudden updraft blew fire towards them. Although their lives ended while fighting the fire, their memories will always remain alive in the hearts of all those who knew and loved them. Lauren E. Dow and Daniel A. James made the supreme sacrifice for the citizens of Tooele County.The Dow James Memorial Park (438 W. 400 N., Tooele, UT) was named after these two men. Join Tooele City and The Tooele Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) Association in honoring Lauren Dow and Daniel James by donating to the beautiful new permanent monument made of granite that will be placed at the Dow James Memorial Park. The dedication of the new monument will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dow James Memorial Park, Tooele.
Full video of Monument Dedication Ceremony - August 26, 2023
Donations for the “Dow James Memorial” can be made through the following methods:
- In person – Tooele City Hall, 90 North Main Street, Tooele, Utah 84074;
- Telephone – Tooele City Finance Department at 435.843.2150;
- Check – mailed to Tooele City Corporation at P.O. Box 89, Tooele, Utah 84074.
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Gone But Not Forgotten
Brother when you weep for me
Remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I’ll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I’ll be there as you slowly crawl
In every roof in driving snow
I’ll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot in searing heat
At windows where a gate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I’ll be at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firemen we understand
That deaths a card deck in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is one that we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we’re the only prayer
For anyone that might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I love to do
I pray that thought will see you through
– Author Unknown –
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A Firefighter’s Prayer . . . When I am called to duty, God, Wherever flames may rage; Give me the strength to save some life, Whatever be its age, Help me embrace a little child Before it is too late; Or save an older person from The horrors of that fate. Enable me to be alert And hear the weakest shout, And quickly and efficiently Put the fire out. I want to fill my calling And to give the best in me; To guard my every neighbor And protect his property. And if according to your will I am going to give my life, Please bless with Your protecting hand My children and my Wife. – Author Unknown – |
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Donations
If you would like to donate to the Tooele Valley Fire Department Association, please scan the QR code.
