Best of the City 2026: Best Reimagined Memorial to Our Fallen Heroes

Amidst an ongoing expansion that also includes new sculptures, lighting and more, this Capitol Park memorial continues to serve as a beautiful dedication, earning a spot on our list of the people, places and things that we’ve loved this year. Here's one of our picks for Best of the City 2026.

Originally dedicated in 2002, the California Firefighters Memorial in Capitol Park is in the midst of a multiyear expansion and reimagining. The new iteration—which broke ground in 2024 and will be completed in 2029—is an even more powerful and poignant tribute to the over 1,500 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since our state’s founding in 1850. The redesigned space—which features the firefighters’ names etched on limestone walls—artfully blends the old with the new. For example, artist (and former Sacramento firefighter) Jesus Romo created the 2002 bronze statue known as Fallen Brother, which depicts one firefighter carrying another. That piece remains standing today, and fittingly, Jesus’ son, Sacramento artist Adan Romo—who will be adding his own sculpture in 2028—was tapped to re-envision this sacred space. In addition to architectural work by local firm Lionakis, the project also includes extensive new illumination effects, such as ground lighting that mimics embers and spot fires, as well as lights trained on the sculptures themselves to help amplify the emotions on the firefighters’ faces. This year’s memorial ceremony, to take place at the site on Oct. 3, will mark the addition of 37 new names on its walls. cafirefoundation.org

READ MORE: Pick up our Fall Issue for the full Best of the City 2026 list