Historic Milestone for Minnesota’s EMS Community
State Officially Approves Capitol Grounds Site, Clearing the Way for Minnesota’s First-Ever, Permanent EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial
Sept. 9, 2026, Saint Paul, MN — The Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation today announced that the State of Minnesota has formally approved and allocated the site for the state’s first permanent memorial honoring EMS professionals who died in the line of duty. The memorial will be located on the Capitol grounds’ Lower Mall, directly south of the Firefighters Memorial — the area designated for public‑service commemorative works.
State of Minnesota Approves Capitol Site for EMS Memorial
The allocation follows more than a year of formal review by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) and its Site Selection Working Group. After evaluating multiple locations across the Capitol campus, the committee identified Site 9 as the strongest candidate due to its visibility from 12th Street, accessibility, ceremonial suitability, and alignment with the Capitol’s public‑service commemorative zone.
In its official recommendation, the CAAPB emphasized the significance and urgency of establishing a permanent EMS memorial on the Capitol grounds. The Board noted that Emergency Medical Services personnel dedicate their lives to saving others, often at great personal risk — yet their sacrifices are frequently overlooked. The memorial, they wrote, will “serve as a tribute to EMS professionals who have lost their lives in service, fostering public appreciation and providing a space for reflection and remembrance.”
The CAAPB further highlighted that the EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial introduces new and essential elements not currently represented on the Capitol campus:
It completes Minnesota’s emergency response triad, joining the existing police and firefighter memorials to formally recognize EMS personnel who have died in service.
It represents the intersection of emergency response and healthcare, reflecting Minnesota’s leadership in advancing pre‑hospital medical care — a dimension not currently reflected in any Capitol memorial.
“With the State’s approval and formal site allocation, we can finally move from aspiration to action,” said Adam Harvey, Founder and CEO, Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation. “This decision represents long‑overdue recognition for Minnesota’s fallen EMS professionals and ensures their sacrifice will be honored with the permanence and dignity they deserve. We now carry the responsibility to build a memorial worthy of their service and ultimate sacrifice.”
Harvey added, “This action by the State completes Minnesota’s public‑safety triad. Police, fire, and now EMS will each be formally recognized as essential pillars of Minnesota’s emergency response system. EMS responders are the medical lifeline of that system, and their sacrifices deserve equal standing and recognition.”
Next Phase: Design & Engineering — and Private Funding Required by Law
With the site now formally allocated, the project advances into the design and engineering phase, including architectural development, engineering studies, cost modeling, and preparation for construction.
By state law, the memorial must be funded entirely through private donations — no taxpayer dollars may be used. This requirement underscores the Foundation’s statewide fundraising efforts and the importance of philanthropic partnerships.
“Now that the site is officially approved, our work accelerates. The design, engineering, and construction phases will soon begin — and because state law requires this memorial to be funded entirely through private donations, philanthropic partnership and support will determine how quickly we can bring this vision to life,” said Harvey.
On Friday, Oct. 23, 6pm - 10pm, Big Wood Brewery, Vadnais Heights, the Foundation will host its 2nd annual fundraiser, featuring a silent auction and live music, in support of the privately funded design, engineering, and construction of the memorial.
About the Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation
The Minnesota State EMS Line of Duty Death Memorial Foundation is a volunteer‑run, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to establishing the state’s first permanent memorial honoring EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty. The Foundation is led by EMS professionals, public‑safety leaders, and community advocates committed to ensuring Minnesota’s fallen EMS responders are honored with dignity, permanence, and gratitude. By state law, the memorial will be funded entirely through private donations, with philanthropic support needed to complete design, construction, and long‑term maintenance. Learn more atwww.mnemsmemorial.com or contact info@mnemsmemorial.com.
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