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Loved ones envision Station fire memorial

Station Fire Memorial (Added: February 21, 2009)

The father of a Station nightclub fire victim pushes for a memorial at the site. (more)

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Loved ones envision Station fire memorial

The father of a Station nightclub fire victim pushes for a memorial at the site.

By R.J. Heim
Published: February 21, 2009

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WEST WARWICK, R.I. -- The Station nightclub burned to the ground six years ago Friday, claiming 100 lives and leaving 200 others injured.

Since the tragedy, survivors, families and friends have congregated at the matted down plot of land where the nightclub once stood.

But they may have a better setting to remember their loved ones if all goes as planned later this year.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 51 is challenging union members in Southern New England to help build a memorial.

"We want people to remember not only the people that have passed and that have been injured, but remember how it happened and hope they'll change their ways and see it doesn't happen again," said Dave Kane of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation.

Kane, who lost his 18-year-old son Nick O'Neill in the fire, is spearheading the estimated $2 million memorial project.

"It's going to be something that's going to be not only beautiful, but it's going to be peaceful and serene," Kane said.

Photos: Loved Ones Lost
Related Link: Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 51
Related Link: Station Fire Memorial Foundation

Kane reached out to Local 51 about lending a hand to build the Station Fire Memorial Park.

"As many union people as they can to build this site: labor, materials, everything. And it's Local 51 that has decided to be the leader in this and get these people together and make it happen," Kane said.

Kane and the others are looking forward to the day when there's a different setting at the nightclub's location.

"We have to wait until the land is actually freed. It's tied up in escrow due to the legalities of everything. Once we have the land in our possession, it can start any time and when the weather breaks in the spring, construction could start," Kane said.

A documentary about O'Neill and his short life is playing at Cinema World at the Lincoln Mall through the weekend.

If you belong to a union, the Station Fire Memorial Foundation and Local 51 would like to hear from you.

Have your union leader get in touch if you'd like to volunteer teams and help with materials and labor to build the park.