Posted by: jgomori Posted date: April 14, 2022

By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

A piece of South Lyon’s public safety history will be used as the centerpiece in a South Lyon First Responders Monument, but first enough funds are needed to build it.

South Lyon Police and Firefighters are selling $25 challenge coins to help raise funds to build a First Responders Monument in McHattie Park, 474 S. Lafayette in South Lyon.

The monument will be constructed around the historic bell from the old town hall steeple. The town hall housed the fire department in the 1880s and they used the bell for fire calls, said South Lyon Police Lt. Doug Baaki. The building collapsed in 1957 due to a sink hole that formed under the foundation.

“We have a memorial for Veterans and wanted to do something for all First Responders in the area,” Lt. Baaki said. “There was a committee formulated to take this current Veterans Memorial and make it better.”

As of January, they had raised about $7,133 through coin sales and donations toward the $30,000 project. The goal is to dedicate the monument on Sept. 11, 2022.

There are two coins available for sale at the police station − one features South Lyon Police badge on one side and the thin blue line flag on the other side. The front of the fire department coin features the Witch’s Hat Depot atop the Maltese Cross for the logo. The back features a 3D imprint of the original fire department/city hall with the bell tower.

Currently, the bell is located in McHattie Park near the Veterans Memorial. The First Responders Monument will feature a steeple design housing the bell. If enough funds are raised, construction could begin in June or July.

“They’re done with the landscaping. The City put in the cement slab and we just need to have funds raised at about $30,000,” Lt. Baaki said. “It’s basically mimicking the old town hall bell tower in South Lyon.”

To purchase challenge coins with cash or check, visit the South Lyon Police Department, located at 219 Whipple St.
For more information or to make a donation, call (248) 437-1773.