Arizona to break ground on memorial to fallen firefighters

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona is breaking ground on its first statewide memorial for firefighters killed on duty.

Gov. Doug Ducey is among the officials who will attend a groundbreaking celebration Friday morning in Phoenix at the site of the planned Arizona Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Plans for the memorial include 10 life-size bronze sculptures male and female firefighters, paramedics and volunteer emergency responders.

The memorial, which will be in Wesley Bolin Memorial Park near the state Capitol, will also encompass a bell tower and seating.

Former Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation in May 2013 authorizing the memorial's construction. Roughly $950,000 has been raised for the project through corporate and individual donations.

In Arizona, 105 firefighters and paramedics have died since 1902.