A Ralston High School Eagle Scout will be earning his medal after completing his journey to design and build a tribute to first responders.
The project is a three-statue creation, depicting a police officer, firefighter and paramedic. Richards raised $20,000 by selling fire extinguishers, first aid kits, Support Blue flags and bricks that have the engraved names of first responders.
He also managed the collaboration of professional help and materials from ten companies to design and install the tribute.
Richards also worked with the City of Ralston, and organized two dozen scouts, family and friends to help fundraise and do landscaping. “This project was a great honor. Our First Responders are so important to everyone and I wanted my Eagle Service project to honor them for all they do and to have a significant impact on my community,” Richards says.
A dedication ceremony will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Koch Park at 75th and Main and will include the Honor Guard from Omaha Police Department and Omaha Fire Department.
The guest speaker will be U.S. Army Major General Al Batschelet, president and CEO of the Omaha First Responders Foundation. “Ceremonies like this one allow us to pay tribute to our first responders for their devotion, selfless service and sacrifice on behalf of all of us. Tyler deserves great thanks for the respect he has demonstrated for these first responders in the development of this remarkable tribute.”
This public space in Koch Park will provide visitors to the City of Ralston a place to spend time in solace and reflection of those who serve their communities.