MAPLEWOOD, Mo. - On the eight-year anniversary of Ryan Hummert's shooting death, hundreds turned out in Maplewood for the unveiling of the young firefighter's statue in Ryan Hummert Park.
"Life changed for us here in Maplewood with that senseless tragedy of Ryan Hummert's death," said Fire Chief Terry Merrell.
It's rare, and on this occasion, sad, for a man in his 20's to inspire a statue. The life sized bronze of Hummert, designed by Maryland Heights Firefighter Robert Daus, will become a reminder of a young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
July 21, 2008 was 22-year-old Ryan Hummert's first and only fire call. A sniper set fire to a truck in Maplewood, then waited inside a nearby house for first responders to arrive. Hummert was shot and killed. Policemen Adam Fite and Mike Martin survived and remain on the Maplewood Police force.
Mark Langston was the mayor of Maplewood on the day of the sniper attack.
"Now we have this beautiful monument as a reminder of our hero Ryan Hummert," said Langston. "Saluting his bravery, honoring his courage, and celebrating the life of this very special young man."
Former Maplewood Mayor Andy Hummert, Ryan's father, expressed gratitude for the hundreds who turned out to honor his son.
"Everyone out here is somebody that has done something to help our family and to help our first responders," said Hummert.
Maplewood has set up a scholarship fund in Ryan Hummert's name to help students who aspire to be first responders.
