JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – New street signs are starting to appear in areas of town named in memory of a first responder who died in the line of duty in that location. It’s part of a wider initiative and there’s a push to expand it.
Outside Fire Stations 25 and 42, drivers are noticing something new.
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Special signs to honor two heroes, who died in the line of duty. Lieutenant Mario Moya and Captain Thomas Barber.
“People want to recognize the hard work that these individuals have done for our community and recognize the families that have lost them,” councilman Al Ferraro said.
Ferraro pushed for these signs to be added.
When the signs are unveiled, their families are also gifted a matching lapel bearing either the fallen firefighter or fallen police officer medallion. Ferraro says the goal is for people to recognize the first responders’ families. Like what you’d see with a Gold Star.
“I know here at the city, when we have somebody who comes by with a Gold Star or POW from war, we typically stop what we’re doing to recognize them. I think it would be just as important in this situation,” Ferraro said.
Ferraro says Moya and Barber are just the beginning. A sign to honor Engineer Michael Freeland, who also died serving Jacksonville last year, is in the works.
Along with two fallen police officers. Ferraro says the message is simple.
“It’s just important that we never forget,” he said.
Ferraro hopes similar initiatives will catch on throughout the state and eventually nationwide.
