American Police Hall of Fame Breaks Ground for Law Enforcement Eternal Flame, Walk of Heroes
By Space Coast Daily // October 22, 2020
Eternal Flame Will Stand 10 Stories Tall
BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – On the heels of financial commitments from the Brevard County Commission and two national law enforcement organizations, as well as support from numerous businesses and individuals, the American Police Hall of Fame held a groundbreaking on October 16 in preparation for Phase One of the United States Law Enforcement Eternal Flame and Walk of Heroes project.
The United States Law Enforcement Eternal Flame, which will stand 10 stories tall, will be built on a 5-acre parcel adjacent to the American Police Hall of Fame.
The flame will burn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This tribute monument has been hailed as the single most significant monument to law enforcement since President John F. Kennedy 50 years ago signed into law a proclamation naming May 15 as National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.
“We began developing plans for this monument five years ago,” said Executive Director Barry Shepherd.
“And we are so proud and thrilled to finally be breaking ground on it. It’s even more significant that we are doing so the day after celebrating our 60th anniversary. We are starting the next 60 years with great momentum and purpose.”
The Flame will pay tribute to law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty as well as to those who patrol the streets of America every day.
You can show your support for law enforcement by purchasing a brick on the Walk of Heroes walkway leading from the American Police Hall of Fame to the Eternal Flame.
The Walk of Heroes offers an opportunity to purchase either a brick for the first installation, which can be done on a secure site that you can access by going to USWalkofHeroes.org or you can download a form and mail in your order.
“We have already begun clearing ground and, with the groundbreaking finished, we will be grading the land and prepping for paver installation,” said Tara Dixon Engel, President of the Hall of Fame.
“It is an exciting time around here. After the craziness and delays of 2020, we are ready to hit the ground running in 2021.”
During the ground-breaking ceremony, letters and videos of support for the project were read from “America’s Most Wanted” star John Walsh, Senator Rick Scott, Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Bill Posey, the NRA, the Police Benevolent Association, the NYPD’s 10-13 Club and the 9463 Foundation.
Visitors were treated to a replica of the planned Flame, complete with hundreds of twinkling lights on the stem of the structure, just below the flame itself. Guests of honor also included Commissioner Rita Pritchett, board members and staff from The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, and many others.
“In response to the phone calls we are getting, yes, there is still an opportunity for sponsorships or donations, both financial and in-kind, for the project,” said Shepherd.
“The pinnacle donor spot is still available and we have a shortlist of companies in mind for that leadership gift, but we will meet with others who express interest in that level of visibility and involvement. Those seeking additional donor opportunities can contact Tara Dixon Engel at the Hall of Fame, while sponsorships are being handled by our Director of Sales, Events & Protocol, Janey Hicks.”
Project details, deadlines and related information will be available at LEFlame.org for the Flame and USWalkofHeroes.org for the paver path. To find out more, call 321-264-0911.
