Station Fire Memorial Fund

In February 2003, people all over Rhode Island were coping with news of the deadliest fire in state history. One hundred lives were taken. Many more were injured in the blaze. For years afterwards, survivors and the families of survivors and victims worked to ensure people would never forget that tragic night. In 2017, their dream came to fruition. The Station Fire Memorial Park was dedicated on the hallowed ground off Cowesett Avenue in West Warwick where so many lost so much.

The Station Fire Memorial Foundation watches over the park. Gina Russo, president of the organization, lost her fiancé, Fred Crisostomi, in the blaze and was severely burned herself. She has spent the years since the park opened thinking about its future. Families and survivors maintain the park now, but Gina was looking ahead to the time when there might not be anyone who could step up anymore. That’s why the group created a permanent fund at the Rhode Island Foundation that will ensure there will be the resources to maintain the grounds forever.

"The years I have spent wondering what I will do with this park. I knew I wouldn't live forever," says Gina. "It's so important to me. I have two sons. They are very proud of that park, but they have their own lives. While I'm walking this earth. I wanted to make sure that it will always look like it does today."

The one-acre park includes a courtyard, gardens and granite monuments with the names and birthdays of every victim. A series of granite steps that commemorate clergy, state leaders, volunteers and caregivers, first responders, friends, families and survivors lead to an open-roofed memorial. Inside are the names of everyone who perished in the tragedy.

Jody King, another member of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, lost his brother Tracy. He's one of the group of families and survivors who has been taking care of the site.

"It's been 20 years of my life. I lost my best friend in that fire. I could count on Tracy for almost everything. He was a military cop, veteran, good kid. I had a real special brother. There were 99 other special people, too. Now those 100 will never be forgotten," he says.