Valero donates $200,000 toward Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial
Valero, a major refiner and employer with deep roots in the Texas Panhandle, has provided the lead gift of $200,000 in a fundraising effort to build the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial in downtown Amarillo.
Friends of AJ Swope is working toward a $1.5 million fundraising goal, according to a news release, and expects to start construction of the memorial in 2024. The nonprofit announced the company's donation Thursday.
The memorial, a project of Friends of AJ Swope in partnership with regional first responder agencies, will list the names of dozens of first responders who have died in the line of duty over the past 141 years. These include law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians from across the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
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“Valero’s leadership in this effort is invaluable,” said Gary Pitner, a member of the Friends of AJ Swope board, in the release. “Having a respected corporate citizen step up demonstrates Valero’s commitment to the Texas Panhandle and their respect for first responders. We’re grateful to have them on board.”
As previously reported, in August 2022, the Amarillo City Council unanimously approved a $1-a-year lease in downtown Amarillo for the memorial. Friends of AJ Swope made its appeal to the council to use the location that has been a small city park since 1970 to use for the memorial.
The memorial is planned for the northwest corner of South Polk Street and 11th Avenue south of the historic Bivins Home that houses the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Center City of Amarillo. The memorial’s concept includes a slightly below grade, terraced, black granite monument with a water feature and lighting that will host the names of the 91 fallen first responders. Names will be engraved on raised panels mounted on the granite monument.
"While many of these fallen first responders have been memorialized in other ways, no single memorial exists honoring all of the first responders of the Texas Panhandle who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," the release states. "Providing such a place to pause and reflect is important to create a lasting tribute, showing respect for the loss of each first responder who so selflessly served the citizens of the Panhandle region."
According to the nonprofit, additional granite walls will be located directly across from the monument to provide seating and will be engraved with donors’ names. Along with landscaping, the downtown-approved streetscape will be installed along both the Polk Street and 11th Avenue areas of the property. The memorial will be ADA accessible.
In addition to the physical monument, a website will be created and maintained to educate the public and tell the story behind each name engraved on the memorial. A QR code at the monument site will lead people to the website, where each story will be provided in written and audio form.
“A memorial indicates that we as citizens are grateful for each first responder’s service, recognize their sacrifice, honor their individual legacies, and respect their families and the loss they have endured,” Pitner said. “The stories of each lost first responder not only convey the sacrifice and bravery of these Panhandle heroes, but also honor the profession, volunteerism and service of all first responders.”
Fundraising efforts for the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial are ongoing. For more information or to make a donation, go online to friendsofajswope.org .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Valero gives $200K for Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial
