IRMO, S.C. — A new first responders monument is in the works in the town of Irmo.
Local leaders say they've decided to place it at the Irmo Town Park.
The memorial will be dedicated to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty.
The environment at the park is quiet and peaceful and it's where Irmo leaders say people can come to reflect and pay respects.
Talks began weeks after the death of firefighter James Muller to have a place in town to commemorate and honor first responders.
Following council approval last month, Irmo town leaders are now working toward establishing a place of reflection.
"I think we always want to show our support for the folks that put themselves and do that risky work to keep us safe and this is I think really an extension of that appreciation that I think the town and the residents always show," Erik Sickinger an Irmo town councilman said.
Sickinger says a committee was created and Irmo fire chief Mike Sonefeld explains they wanted to keep it simple.
"They're just people in our community, they're just people that lived normal lives, but they did something a little bolder, a little different and they just risked more for the community," Sonefeld said.
The town said the memorial is costing about $100,000, the monument will be a black stone with room for plaques, including firefighter Mullers', and a sitting area with benches.
Town leaders say they expect work to begin in January 2024 and finish in May.