Legislation to erect a memorial to firefighters who die in the line of duty was passed unanimously by the Senate.

Sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Lake Sutherland), the bill passed in the form of House companion legislation (HB 2091) and now goes to the governor to be signed into law.

The legislation provides for the memorial to be built and maintained on the campus of the state Capitol with funds from a non-appropriated account created to accept gifts and grants. On Tuesday, March 5, at 1 p.m., Washington State Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Hilary Franz will be joined by legislators, Fire Service advocates and other supporters at a press conference in Olympia to commemorate passage of legislation. The House version of the bill was requested by Franz and sponsored by Rep. Dan Bronoske (D-Lakewood).