October 28th, 2026
Ceremony took place during National First Responders Day
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Sheriff Todd Baxter, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, and representatives from the Monroe County Fire Bureau, Emergency Medical Services, and City of Rochester and Monroe County 9-1-1 today dedicated a new First Responders Memorial in Civic Center Plaza on National First Responders Day. The First Responders Memorial honors the contributions and sacrifices of Monroe County’s firefighters, EMS responders, and 9-1-1 and Emergency Communications personnel and is built adjacent to existing memorials for fallen deputies of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and first responders from the Rochester Police Department and Rochester Fire Department.
“When an emergency call comes in and a member of our community is in crisis, our first responders don’t flinch – they jump into action,” said County Executive Bello. “We have a responsibility to never forget every first responder who has made sacrifices, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, to keep our community safe. The First Responders Memorial is a physical testament to that responsibility, and a reminder of the brave men and women who dedicated themselves to serving their fellow community members.”
The First Responders Memorial is located in Civic Center Plaza, which can be found outdoors in between the Monroe County Hall of Justice and the Public Safety Building. The plaza can be accessed off of Exchange Boulevard, across from the corner of Court Street.
The memorial circle is open to the public year-round and will serve as a space to honor fallen first responders, and show gratitude for all first responders in our community, past and present, who have worked to keep Monroe County safe.
“Today, we are proud to add to the First Responder Memorial Circle—a place where our community can come together to remember, honor and reflect on the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving others,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “What began as a memorial recognizing the service and sacrifice of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and later the Rochester Police and Fire Departments, has grown into something much greater. As people walk through this space, they will now additionally see and remember the courage and commitment of all Monroe County firefighters, emergency medical services workers, and emergency communications personnel who answer the call when their community needs them most. This memorial is a lasting reminder that while our uniforms and responsibilities may differ, all first responders share a common commitment to protecting and serving our community. I am grateful to County Executive Adam Bello for his support and partnership in helping make this vision a reality. Together, we are creating a place where the sacrifices of our first responders and their families will be honored and remembered for generations to come.”
“Our first responders stand as the steadfast watchmen of our community, cutting through the chaos of our worst days with a calm voice and the promise that help is on the way,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “We must never forget the profound personal sacrifice and vigilance it takes for these ultimate servants to keep us safe day and night.”
“This memorial is more than stone and engraved names. It is a lasting promise that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, while providing our community a place to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave their lives in service to others,” said Steve Tschiderer, Monroe County Fire Coordinator.
“I’m very proud of this memorial. It is a new place of reverence and honor for our EMS community where we can take pride in our strong work but also reflect on our peers who have given up so much time, energy and effort to our sick and injured in this region,” said Daniel J. Riordan, Monroe County EMS Coordinator
“The men and women of our 911 Center are the first point of contact in an emergency, providing critical information and coordinating the response of police, fire, and EMS personnel when seconds matter. This monument honors their dedication and the vital role they play in protecting our community. I would like to thank Mayor Evans and County Executive Bello for their continued support, and Sheriff Baxter for his leadership in spearheading the effort to establish these memorials at the Civic Center Plaza, ensuring that the service and sacrifices of our public safety professionals will be remembered for generations to come,” said Michel Cerretto, Director, City of Rochester and Monroe County 911.
Donations to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Foundation to support the First Responders Memorial and future projects in Civic Center Plaza can be made online at https://monroecountysheriffsfoundation.org/first-responder-memorial/.
