UPDATE:

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial statue on Clarke Plaza in Eureka has been restored to its original state with the help of the city of Eureka, Advanced Security Systems and Richard Geisel.

"RESTORED: Thank you so much for all the community support and for everyone who helped restore the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Eureka, CA to its original glory," Humboldt Bay Fire wrote in a Facebook Post.

See the Facebook post below.


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Earlier today, Humboldt Bay Fire found the Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Clarke Plaza in Eureka had been vandalized, with the statue's bronze helmet spray painted black and illegible words sprayed on the brick ground surrounding it.

"We are discouraged, disheartened and disappointed that someone would deface this important memorial, especially right after the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a date that is held so dearly in the hearts of the fire community and American public," states a release sent by Humboldt Bay Fire. "If anyone has information or camera footage related to the vandalism of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Eureka, CA, please contact the Eureka Police Department to update the open case."

According to the release, this is the fourth offense directed toward local fire departments within the last month. On Aug. 15, the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department was broken into and a 4-wheeler was stolen. On Sept. 9, Samoa Peninsula Fire District was broken into and several tools were taken. On Sept. 12, Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Department was broken into, resulting in broken windows, damaged property and stolen cash.

All incidents are currently under investigation. Anyone with information related to them is asked to contact local law enforcement agencies.

Read the full press release below.

On the morning of September 13, 2021, just two days after concluding a September 11 tribute at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Eureka, Humboldt Bay Firefighters discovered the site had been vandalized.

Black spray paint now covers the helmet of the statue, dripping down toward the turnout bottoms and boots of the sculpture. Illegible words and figures in the same black paint mar the beautiful brick work surrounding the memorial.

This is the fourth transgression of which we are aware directed toward a local fire department in the last month. On August 15, the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department was broken into and a 4-wheeler was stolen. On September 9, Samoa Peninsula Fire District was broken into and several tools were stolen. On September 12, Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Department was broken into, resulting in broken windows, damaged property, and stolen cash.

We are discouraged, disheartened, and disappointed that someone would deface this important memorial, especially right after the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a date that is held so dearly in the hearts of the fire community and American public. We are even more alarmed at this recent swell of crime that seems to be targeting local fire agencies. Please, if anyone has any information on the above crimes, contact your local law enforcement agency. If anyone has information or camera footage related to the vandalism of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Eureka, CA, please contact the Eureka Police Department to update the open case.

Humboldt Bay Fire and City of Eureka crews will be at the memorial site this afternoon to clean and restore the site to its former glory. We want to thank the City of Eureka and the Eureka Police Department for their assistance and partnership.