2025 DCC Award Winner
California Firefighter's Memorial, Trademark Concrete Systems, Inc., Sacramento, CA
First Place: Project Video, Over 5,000 sqft

The California Firefighter’s Memorial is a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of California’s fire service community. Located in Capitol Park in Sacramento, this expanded memorial honors more than 1,500 firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1850. Each year, thousands gather here during the California Firefighter’s Memorial Ceremony to reflect and remember those who gave their lives in service to the state.

The decorative concrete scope was central to creating a space that is both reverent and enduring. The hardscape features 10,000 square feet of 6" thick running bond flatwork, produced with a custom white concrete mix incorporating imported white sands, all hand-mixed on site. The result is a striking yet respectful tone and texture befitting the memorial’s significance.

Integrated into the flatwork are bronze inlays and discreet lighting elements, designed to enhance the visitor experience without distracting from the solemn purpose of the space. Additional features include radiused concrete benches, circular pedestals with bronze inlays, and sign walls with template-sandblasted text. All vertical concrete elements were cast using the same custom white mix, ensuring a cohesive and elegant design throughout.

In total, the project involved 350 cubic yards of decorative concrete. The careful craftsmanship, complex detailing, and thoughtful coordination required to execute this work reflect a high level of expertise and dedication.

This project not only demonstrates technical excellence in decorative concrete construction—it also carries deep emotional and civic value. As a lasting tribute to California’s fallen firefighters, it serves as a meaningful landmark in the state’s capital and a deserving candidate for recognition in any award program celebrating craftsmanship, public space design, and community impact.