AMARILLO, Texas (Sept. 18, 2024) – Officials with Bell Textron make a special visit to the future site of the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial to present a $5,000 check to organizers of the effort.
Bell representatives on hand for the check presentation included Sonja Clark, Amarillo Site Leader, and Megan Reed, Communications and Public Affairs Manager.
In addition, Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, several representatives from the Amarillo Fire Marshals Office and Amarillo Medical Services, and members of the non-profit raising funds to build the Memorial, Friends of AJ Swope, were present to receive Bell’s donation.
“Bell’s leadership in this effort is invaluable,” says Gary Pitner, a member of the Friends of AJ Swope board. “Having a respected corporate citizen step up for our fallen first responders demonstrates Bell’s continued commitment to the Texas Panhandle. We’re grateful to have them on board.”
Friends of AJ Swope is working in partnership with regional first responding agencies to raise funds and build the Memorial, which will honor Texas Panhandle law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel who have died in the line of duty over the past 141 years.
The Memorial is planned for the northwest corner of South Polk Street and 11th Avenue, just south of the historic Bivins Home that houses the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Center City of Amarillo. Friends of AJ Swope is working toward a $1.5 million fundraising goal.
More information on the project including honorees, renderings and a secure payment portal for donations can be found at FirstRespondersMemorial.org.
