Firemen's Memorial

The Firemen's Memorial is a bronze sculpture at Forest Hills Cemetery depicting a firefighter in a contemplative pose. The composition includes relief plaques surrounding the main figure that illustrate scenes of firefighting work and service.

The memorial was created in 1909 to commemorate Boston Fire Department members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Its design was informed by architectural principles its creator had taught at a major university.

The memorial draws firefighters and their families who gather to honor those lost in service to the city. These gatherings form an important ritual for Boston's fire service community to recognize sacrifice and loss.

The memorial is located in the Firemen's Lot section of the cemetery and is easy to find within the grounds. You can visit at any time during cemetery hours for a quiet moment of reflection or to see the plaques up close.

The sculptor John A. Wilson incorporated intricate craftsmanship into the memorial, blending classical sculptural traditions with emerging bronzework techniques. This combination of traditional artistry and contemporary methods showcases the artistic practices of the early 20th century.