The DanMyrna Foundation

Water Memorial To Honor Fallen Firefighter

Volunteers Built A Water Feature For Firefighter Killed On Duty

from WDIV Channel 4 Detroit

POSTED: Monday, August 9, 2010

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves at Detroit Firehouse 23 to honor a fallen firefighter.

Walt Harris was killed in November 2008 when the roof on an abandoned home collapsed while he was trying to stop the blaze. The roof also collapsed on three other firefighters.

The water feature was built Monday outside Harris’ firehouse. It was donated by the Dan Myrna Foundation.

Mario Willis was convicted of second-degree murder in Harris’ death. Investigators said he hired Darian Dove to start the fire that killed Harris.

Dove was sentenced to at least 17 years in prison for his role in the firefighter’s death. He said he was paid $20 to set the fire. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Willis.

Prosecutors said the fire was part of a scheme to get insurance money.

Harris was 37 when he died. The Sterling Heights resident was a 17-year department veteran and father to six boys, one of whom is also a Detroit firefighter.

This is the second memorial water feature built in Detroit. The first was for a solider killed in the line of duty in Iraq.

Deputy Sheriff Kevin Carper
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
South Carolina
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 547

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Deputy Kevin Carper was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect who fled during a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot as soon as Deputy Carper attempted to stop him on Midway Park Drive shortly after 10:00 pm.

A struggle ensued when Deputy Carper caught the suspect. The man produced a .38 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Carper twice. One round was stopped by his vest but the second round entered one of the vest's armholes, causing a fatal wound to the chest. The assailant was shot by Deputy Carper and a second deputy. The killer was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Deputy Carper had served with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Alycia and April Hendry Before Deputy Carper Memorial Pond	Ken and crew prepare the site for the new pond
The pond is taking shape	Alycia and April Hendry After Deputy Carper's Memorial Pond is complete