The Selden Fire Department dedicated a new memorial park to honor the memory of Fire Chief Arnold Seaman, who was killed in the line of duty 50 years ago.

The park was built on an empty lot on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and North Bicycle Path, where the 32-year-old chief was involved in a car crash while responding to a reported fire at Newfield High School.

He was taken to Mather Memorial Hospital, but did not survive his injuries.

Jack Emr was the assistant fire chief and took over for Seaman. He paid tribute to his friend Saturday, along with the current members of the fire department.

Seaman’s son Jack said that it was a day to celebrate his life.

“It's just amazing for everyone to come out here. My family and I are just amazed,” he said. “…We're pretty sure that my father is beaming right now.”

The centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze helmet – an exact replica of the one Chief Seaman wore 50 years ago.