UPDATE: 3/4 at 2:42 p.m
It was one year ago today that firefighter Jamison Kampmeyer lost his life after rushing in to a burning building. Kampmeyer was killed when the roof collapsed at the Abby Theatre.
Now, a memorial to be built in his honor is becoming closer to a reality. Jacob Miller, who's working on earning his rank as an Eagle Scout, is spearheading the project. According to post on his Facebook page, he has raised just over $7,000 working toward his $10,000 goal.
The memorial wall will be built from concrete, brick and copper. Symbols of Kampmeyer's status as both a fallen firefighter and deputy will also grace the monument. The memorial wall will be located right outside the Colby Fire Department's main entrance.
If you would like to donate, you can check out Jamison Kampmeyer Memorial Wall on Facebook. You can also call Miller at (715) 654-5240 or email him at boomiahs_bro@yahoo.com. Donations can also be sent directly to Mid Wisconsin Bank.
---------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL STORY: 8/9/12 at 8:29 p.m.
Fourteen-year-old Jacob Miller is stepping up to make sure Jamison Kampmeyer is never forgotten by erecting a memorial in his honor.
Miller, who is working on earning his rank as an Eagle Scout, originally planned to build a memorial honoring veterans in Dorchester. But after Kampmeyer lost his life battling a fire at Abby Theatre back in March, Miller decided he wanted to do something to honor him.
"I think everyone needs to remember him, especially his boys because as they grow up they may forget about him. It's just a reminder to them and everyone to remember him as a local hero," Miller told NewsChannel 7.
Angie Miller, Jacob's mom. says her son's ambition does not surprise her.
"For him to do this, it doesn't surprise me that he's doing it. I'm just very proud of him right now," Miller said.
Although the monument may have been Miller's idea, he says it's going to take a whole community to pull it off. That is why he plans to go door to door asking for donations of all kinds, including supplies, money and time.
The memorial wall will be built from concrete, brick and copper. Symbols of Kampmeyer's status as both a fallen firefighter and deputy will also grace the monument.
The memorial wall will be located right outside the Colby Fire Department's main entrance.
If all goes well, Miller plans to begin construction on the monument next May. He expects the project will take three weekends to complete.
So far Miller has raised just under $1,000 for the project. If you would like to donate, you can check out Jamison Kampmeyer Memorial Wall on Facebook. You can also call Miller at (715) 654-5240 or email him at boomiahs_bro@yahoo.com. Donations can also be sent directly to Mid Wisconsin Bank.
