Firefighter Memorial Closer To Its New Home

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A memorial honoring Minnesota firefighters who died in the line of duty is one step closer to its new home.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin construction for the new memorial.

The statue used to be at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport near the baggage claim, and now it will be on the great lawn near the State Capitol.

Families of fallen firefighters have been raising money for the new site. Brandon Hollingsworth is a firefighter whose dad died in a house fire in 1984.

"It's a long time coming," Hollingsworth said. "A lot of sweat, blood and tears. A lot of long days and fundraising. And for my family this is the ultimate."

Construction will go through the summer, and is expected to be finished by the end of September.

The memorial still needs another $80,000 to cover costs. To donate, click here.