By Dave Niinemets
Enquirer contributor

NEWPORT- The dream of creating a memorial for Northern Kentucky firefighters is moving closer to reality.

A recent fund-raiser at a Newport on the Levee hot spot and a push for more donations have energized the project.

"I would like to have it done by Sept. 11, 2003, that's kind of our target date," said Newport Fire Chief Larry Atwell, who is heading up a committee for the monument. "That depends on if we can secure enough commitments by the early part of the year; but if we can, I feel very confident we can meet that date."

Working in conjunction with Southbank Partners and the Millennium Monument Corp., the Northern Kentucky Firefighters Association appears to have a site chosen for the monument.

The current plan has it standing slightly to the east of the World Peace Bell on Fourth Street.

"Because of the general theme of that area, there seems to be a fit," said Wally Pagan, executive director of Southbank Partners. "A lot's going to depend on the design and size of the monument as to where it will be built. So it's subject to change."

Plans have been given to Cincinnati's Verdin Co. to design the monument. Chief Atwell's committee is awaiting word from Verdin - the bell and monument maker - on how much the cost will be.

Some design options include a firefighter with a child or a firefighter carrying a child from danger. The goal is to have a final design in place by early December.

Funding will be the key to the project. The original goal was $100,000 but Chief Atwell says that estimate may have been too conservative. Right now, he is lobbying local fire departments, the cities they serve and local firefighter unions for contributions. In January, the committee will expand and begin a large mailing campaign to generate more help from the public.

A big boost to the cause will come from proceeds of a benefit recently held at the new Tropicana club at Newport on the Levee. Owner Jeff Ruby agreed to host the event and will meet with Chief Atwell this week to discuss the amount of money generated.

Trop attracted crowd

Tropicana General Manager Jerry Rapp said he did not have a figure on how much was raised but said the night was a success.

"It was a definite success," he said. "We had a good turnout, especially with the conditions we had with it being rainy."

Mr. Rapp said it was hard to tell exactly how many people were there. He estimated that it was around 500. At $75 per person, the proceeds will easily be in the five-figure range.

"I really want to thank Mr. Ruby," said Chief Atwell. "It was an outstanding thing to do not only for Northern Kentucky firefighters but for firefighters everywhere."

Anyone wanting to donate to the fund for the monument can write checks to the Northern Kentucky Monument Fund and send them to the Newport Fire Department care of Chief Atwell, 998 Monmouth St., 41071. Some donors will be able to have their names placed on benches that will sit near the monument.

"From an individual firefighter's standpoint, this is going to show that the community appreciates their efforts," said Chief Atwell. "It means a lot."