A new housing development in Modesto will feature a firefighter-themed park and streets named after fallen and prominent members of the Modesto Fire Department, following a years-long collaboration between city officials, firefighters and a private developer.
The idea began several years ago when City Councilman Chris Ricci proposed creating a firefighter memorial park through the city. After being told the city had other priorities, Ricci sought an alternative path and began working with developer DR Horton.
About four years ago, discussions began to incorporate the concept into a new residential development. After multiple meetings between the developer and members of the fire department, the project expanded beyond a park to include memorial elements and themed street names…