Work is kicking off on the City of San Luis Obispo’s World Trade Center (9/11) Memorial Project at Fire Station No. 1 at Broad and South streets.
The memorial, final design for which was approved by the City last year, honors the 403 New York police officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The responders are symbolized by 403 metal posts that surround a steel I-beam that was once a part of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. The artifact was applied for by the City and hauled several years ago by volunteers from a New York Port Authority storage yard. It’s been stored at the station ever since.
SLO Fire Chief Garrett Olson was among the responders from across the nation who volunteered their time near Ground Zero 14-years ago and the memorial installation has special significance for the members of SLO’s public safety workforce.
Site preparations began June 22 with removal of some trees and will continue until a planned dedication on Sept. 11.