Honoring 100 Lives Lost

On February 20, 2003, 100 people lost their lives in the Station Night Club Fire in West Warwick, one of the worst tragedies in our state’s history. As a Rhode Islander, it seems that we all knew someone who perished on that cold night. My distant cousin, Stacy Angers, lost her life in that fire.
I was at the dedication of the Station Fire Memorial with my colleagues in the federal delegation; Governor Raimondo; R.I. Treasurer Seth Magaziner; local and state leaders; and first responders and survivors of the fire. I hope the memorial will give a bit of peace and comfort to the families and loved ones affected by this terrible tragedy and serve as a place to remember those we have lost.
We must never stop fighting for safety measures that have the potential to save lives and avert a disaster like the one we experienced on that horrific night. It’s a fact — fire sprinklers save lives. However, cost considerations have prevented too many property owners from making this important investment. That is why I have joined my colleague Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) in reintroducing the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, which will provide tax relief to businesses that are proactive in making their properties safer. We need to make it easier to install these life-saving systems to prevent a disaster like the Station Night Club Fire from ever happening again.
That night, we experienced the heroism, generosity, and compassion of our fellow Rhode Islanders, from the dozens of first responders who arrived on the scene to the hospital personnel who tended to the injured. It showed how strong our community is even in the midst of tragedy.
For the past 14 years, Gina Russo and members of the Station Memorial Foundation have been working tirelessly to raise money in order to make this memorial a reality. Because of their efforts, we now have a beautiful and inspirational memorial to honor those we lost but will never forget.
