A dedication ceremony for Glassport's newly refurbished memorial fountain has been set.
The fountain, located adjacent to the borough's war memorial next to the municipal building, will be dedicated Saturday to past, present and future borough police and firefighters.
"A Day to Remember" events kick off with a prayer and service at approximately 8:45 a.m. followed by a corn roast and barbecue starting at 2 p.m. Monongahela Avenue will be closed from Fourth to Fifth streets from 4-8 p.m.
American Legion Post 443 officials will conduct a memorial service at 5 p.m., followed by the unveiling and dedication of the memorial fountain at 6. A fireworks display is expected to close out Saturday's events.
Guest speakers include Glassport Citizen Hose Co. No. 1 fire Chief Wayne Lewis, fire company president Nick Sorrentino, a representative from the National Fallen Firefighters Association, Allegheny County Sheriff William Mullen and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills.
Glassport's parks and recreation department and borough firefighters have been working toward refurbishing the memorial fountain since August after Lewis got approval for the project and materials.
Both groups were lauded for their efforts at last month's council meeting by Councilwoman Nancy Crncic.
"This will be a great accomplishment for this council and the borough of Glassport to once again have the greatest honor roll in the valley with a wonderful fountain," she said.
Public works crews were trimming hedges and trees by the fountain Thursday morning.
Lewis said they have been a big help throughout the project.
"When we make a mess and pile it up, by 7:30 in the morning it's clean," Lewis said. "They're here every day."
Citizen Hose safety officer Jay Smith assisted with material distribution last month while bricklayers, a pool company and Leezack Electric personnel donated their time to get the project done.
Flag poles have been installed. The water jets inside the fountain have been rebuilt.
"Everything will be in," Lewis said. "We'll be ready for Saturday. I expect no less than 400 people. Everyone I talked to (said) they're bringing their kids down. They're bringing their grandkids down."
Smith and Lewis thanked the community for its support.
"The community outpour for this and thanking us, I can't even explain it," Lewis said.
"It takes a lot to put something like this together," Smith said. "The fountain hasn't run in 18 years. We got a lot of people donating time and willing to do what needs to be done, whatever it is. It's a pride factor more than anything."
Organizers are asking former borough police officers and firefighters to attend.
Those wishing to donate toward the project can mail their donations to Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, P.O. Box 126, or drop donations off at the station at 525 Allegheny Ave. or at the event Saturday.
