GOLDEN, Colo. — Arson is the suspected cause of a fire that destroyed a 25-year-old gazebo and garden outside the Jefferson County Government Center.
The gazebo was first built to honor a fallen sheriff's deputy and has since become a place to honor victims of crime as well.
Around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, crews with the Golden Fire Department responded to the fire at the Courage Garden. They quickly got the fire out, but not before the gazebo and other memorial benches and mementos were destroyed.
An executive from Victim Outreach Incorporated, which oversees the memorial gardens, said the gazebo was a place for victims of crime — past, present and future — to heal and find peace and solitude.
The gazebo was built in 1995 and dedicated in honor of fallen Jefferson County Sergeant Timothy Mossbrucker. It was built from donations from law enforcement agencies, including the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and was also maintained by donations.
Over the years, the garden had grown and now honors the victims of crimes, as well as employees of Jefferson County who have passed away.
Every year, during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April, the "Courage Walk" is held to honor the victims of crime and their strength to survive.
While there are no immediate plans to replace the burned-down gazebo, donations can be made by going to the Victim Outreach Incorporated.
Donors may designate contributions to the Courage Garden Gazebo.
For more information about VOI or the Courage Garden visit the Victim Outreach Incorporated website or the Courage Garden Plants website
The cause of the fire is suspected arson and is currently under investigation.
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