When it was learned that Scott Wirtz, a De Smet graduate and St. Louisan was one of four Americans killed in Syria earlier this week, it affected many here in his hometown, including thousands who never knew him. Wirtz, a Navy SEAL, was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency as an operations support specialist. He graduated from De Smet in 1995.
One of those affected was Paramedic Firefighter Pat Gallagher. Gallagher, of University City, serves out of the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District. As fate would have it, Gallagher had a friend who not only knew Wirtz, but served with him as a Navy SEAL. The two were talking about Wirtz when Gallagher mentioned his idea that Wirtz, should be honored in his hometown with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. His friend agreed it would be a suitable tribute to Wirtz, and Gallagher got to work.
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Gallagher began by looking up some of the requirements on how a person receives a star.
According to the St. Louis Walk Of Fame website, anyone may participate in the nomination process, by simply sending a letter to the St. Louis Walk of Fame office with the name, date, and place of birth and a short history of the person to be nominated, including the person’s St. Louis connection and a description of his or her national impact.
Gallagher is doing just that, and to show the nominating committee just how important adding Wirtz is, he began a Facebook page hoping show how ST. Louisans would support such a gesture.
"You must be distinguished in your field," said Gallagher, regarding the rules. "Most of the recipients are in the world of sports, arts, culture, etc. but without the sacrifices of men and women like Scott, none of those things are available to be appreciated. One can’t exist without the other."
