501(c)3 Foundation · Shiawassee County, Michigan
Shiawassee
Firefighters Memorial
Honoring those who answered the call and gave everything in service to their community. Their courage will never be forgotten.
1900
Fred Ross
1977
Roger Wenk
1981
Elmer Hodge
Our Mission
"Their service deserves recognition and is truly appreciated by all involved."
The Shiawassee Firefighters Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building a permanent memorial honoring the firefighters of Shiawassee County who gave their lives in service. The centerpiece of the memorial will be the historic 1921 American LaFrance fire truck — a symbol of the courage and dedication that defines our county's firefighting heritage.
Line of Duty
Fallen Heroes of Shiawassee County
Three firefighters from Shiawassee County gave their lives in the line of duty. Their names and stories are preserved here so that future generations will know the price of their service.
Killed in the Line of Duty
Fred Ross
April 1, 1900 · Owosso, Michigan
Fred Ross was killed on April 1, 1900, while fighting a fire at the Old Central School in Owosso. His sacrifice stands as the earliest recorded line-of-duty death among Shiawassee County firefighters — a testament to the long tradition of courage and selfless service that defines this community.
1921 American LaFrance · Memorial Centerpiece
Roger Wenk
April 10, 1977 · Byron, Michigan
Former Byron Village President and Councilman Roger Wenk, 56, responded to a grass fire on Byron Road, one-half mile north of Lovejoy Road on April 10, 1977. Michigan was in near-drought conditions that spring, with six fires fought in Shiawassee County on April 12 alone.
Wenk had run from the fire to the truck for water tanks and back again. While pumping air into the tanks, he collapsed. Firefighter Raymond Tower administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but Wenk was pronounced dead on arrival at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso.
Born September 20, 1920, Wenk had served his community in many capacities — as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, President of the Michigan Conservation Club, and past President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Durand Sportsman Club. He was survived by his wife Marjorie and two adult children.
Killed in the Line of Duty
Elmer Hodge
January 12, 1981 · Owosso, Michigan
Elmer Hodge died in the line of duty on January 12, 1981, fighting a fire on the corner of N. Park Street and E. Main Street in Owosso. His sacrifice, made in the dead of a Michigan winter, represents the unwavering commitment of Shiawassee County's firefighters to protect life and property at any cost.
1900
Fred Ross
Old Central School Fire, Owosso
1977
Roger Wenk
Grass Fire, Byron Road
1981
Elmer Hodge
Structure Fire, N. Park St., Owosso
The Project
Building a Permanent Memorial
The Shiawassee Firefighters Memorial will be a permanent public tribute to the men and women who have served — and those who gave their lives — in the fire service of Shiawassee County. The memorial building will house the historic fire trucks that represent over a century of firefighting history in our community.
In July 2018, the City of Owosso appointed a steering committee to fulfill these goals. The committee has worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to plan and construct a permanent display — an effort recognized by the City of Owosso with a formal Resolution of Appreciation in October 2024.
1921 American LaFrance fire truck as the centerpiece
1912 fire truck that served the City of Owosso
Memorial plaques honoring all fallen firefighters
Permanent public display open to the community
The Memorial — Shiawassee County
1912 Fire Truck · City of Owosso
Official Recognition
City of Owosso Commendation
On October 21, 2024, the City of Owosso issued a formal Resolution of Appreciation to the Firemen's Memorial Steering Committee, recognizing their tireless dedication to this cause and to public safety.
Steering Committee Members
The City of Owosso extends its deepest thanks and gratitude for the commitment and hard work of the members of the Firemen's Memorial Steering Committee:
Travis Schneider
Teresa Schnieder
Sarah Keeley Moorodian
Eric and Teri Mogg
Gordan Settlemyer
Ross Stanley
Mary Long
Dan Law
Special Recognition
Doug Stanley, Tim Reid, and John Reid are recognized for their generous contribution of time, expertise, and equipment for the annual Firemen's Memorial BBQ.
The City also honors Committee members lost over the years: Councilman Burton Fox, Rick Schneider, and Russ Wahl.
501(c)3 Foundation
Help Us Honor Their Legacy
Your tax-deductible donation directly supports the construction of the Shiawassee Firefighters Memorial — a permanent tribute to the brave men and women who have served our county. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to honoring their sacrifice for generations to come.
$25
Friend of the Memorial
$100
Supporter
$500
Founding Patron