By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - They passed the boot at the county fair, held raffles and sold inscribed pavers for as much as $500 apiece.

One year and more than $20,000 later, the Warren County Fire Chiefs Association is ready to unveil a monument that pays tribute to firefighters and EMS workers in the county, and to those who have died doing the job.

FALLEN HEROES

The names inscribed on the centerpiece are: • Lebanon Firefighter Obe Bundy, who had a heart attack or was overcome by smoke and died fighting a house fire at Broadway and Warren streets on Aug. 20, 1892. • Lebanon Firefighter Milo Merrell, who died of an apparent heart attack on July 8, 1935, while running to the firehouse to respond to a barn fire on South Street. • Lebanon Firefighter Roy Yinger, who was overcome with smoke while rolling up hose Sept. 26, 1956, at the scene of a laundry fire • Maineville Firefighter Wilmo M. "Bill" Testerman, who was struck by a firetruck on June 10, 1974. • Harlan Township Firefighter Terry L. Leasher, who died of a heart attack on his return from a structure fire on April 11, 1996. Sources: Warren County Fire Chiefs Association and Lebanon Fire Division History

The black granite monument, inscribed with EMS and firefighter symbolism, prayers and the names of a handful of firefighters from Lebanon, Harlan Township and Maineville who have died in the line of duty since 1892, will be dedicated in a ceremony at 7 p.m. May 2 across the street from the police memorial.

A laser etching of Bergen (N.J.) Record photographer Tom Franklin's picture of New York City firefighters raising the American flag in the rubble of the World Trade Center is the memorial's centerpiece.

The piece, the work of Dodd Monuments in Lebanon and an associated company, Laser Imaging & Design, will be surrounded by inscribed pavers purchased by fire departments and residents.

The long-awaited event, two years in the making, is part of the Warren County Bicentennial Celebration.

"Twenty thousand dollars comes with a little work. It was not quite as easy as I thought," said Franklin Chief Jonathan Westendorf, who is president of the county fire chiefs association.

Clearcreek Chief Bernie Becker came up with the idea for a monument in 2000, and plans gained momentum after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

About 250 invitations to the dedication were sent to local and state dignitaries, including Gov. Bob Taft, but Westendorf said he has not heard whether Taft will attend.

The association also is trying to reach members of the deceased firefighters' families with the hope of inviting them to the ceremony. Families can contact Westendorf at (937) 746-4542 or Mason Deputy Chief Ray Mueller at 229-8540.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com