Honoring the bravery and service of firefighters, local Scout Alexzander Awni built a memorial garden at fire station 29 as his Eagle Scout Service Project.

He estimated a budget of $9,000 to complete the garden, which included installing a memorial granite stone and landscaping at the front of the station.

“I learned the significance of communication [and] follow up and the importance of availability,” he said of the project in a write-up that he submitted.

To gain support and funding for the project, he attended City of Glendale events and met with local officials and business events. He learned, however, that his efforts weren’t enough. He discovered that navigating city hall’s bureaucracy, licensing and permits became a “logistical challenge.”

“I learned the value of collaboration and seeking help,” he wrote.

Glendale Fire Dept. chief Greg Fish guided him to the Park and Recreation Dept. This ensured compliance with city codes and provided plants that are now the model for the city’s upcoming beautification projects.

“My service project taught me valuable lessons: working with diverse people, collaborating with city leaders, navigating bureaucratic processes, negotiating with contractors, leading my fellow Scouts and building community relationships,” he wrote. “Learning from successes and challenges, I strive to improve and grow.”

He now attends Penn State University for aerospace engineering.