Maple  Valley  Fire  and  Life  Safety officials  announced Aug. 16 that the department will acquire a piece of steel from the World Trade Center in New York City but could use help in covering the costs of shipping to get it here.

Firefighter Ryan Carpenter helped the department secure the piece through a partnership with the New York Fire Department and the World Trade Center steel program during the past few months. The department will receive a piece of steel from the remains of the buildings which were attacked by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001.

The piece of steel I beam weighs about 100 pounds and is about 18 inches in length. According to information provided by Maple Valley Fire, it will eventually be displayed in a public space in Maple Valley as the center piece of a memorial which will pay tribute and serve as a reminder of all those who were killed — including more than 300 firefighters — in the terrorist attacks.

A committee of personnel from the city, police and fire departments as well as community members will be formed to work on the memorial. Maple Valley Fire officials anticipate it will be a lengthy process which will require a significant amount of fundraising. Once the steel beam arrives, it will be displayed at Station 80.

Thanks to the help of YRC Freight, FDNY and the WTC Steel program, Maple Valley Fire will get 75 percent off the shipping costs but still needs to cover nearly $500 in freight charges.

Anyone interested in making donations to cover the cost of shipping can send them or drop them off at Station 80, 23775 S.E. 264 St., Maple Valley. Checks should be made payable to Maple Valley Firefighters — WTC.