Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield joined members of the Elyria Fire Department, families of Elyria natives Mark Horton, Tianna Madison and Ike Maxwell on Dec. 27 to celebrate the dedication of three new historical markers that commemorate individuals who have shaped the city of Elyria, according to a news release.
Horton was a local, state and national leader of firefighters, the release said.
He was born into a firefighting family; his father was chief of the Sheffield Township Fire Department.
Horton joined the Elyria Fire Department in 1979 and eventually became the union president.
He was known as a mentor to many who taught the right way to fight fires, deal with the public and be a professional, the release said.
After he retired in 2008, Horton continued to serve firefighters throughout the state as secretary/treasurer of the Ohio Professional Firefighters Association.
He died in February 2017 on his way to a Health and Safety Conference and was given Line of Duty Death Status by the International Association of Firefighters, the release said.
Horton’s name was inscribed on the memorial in Colorado Springs, Colo., the release said.
“Mark’s passion and legacy should never be forgotten and every firefighter coming through the doors on Cedar Street should be reminded of his contributions to the (Elyria Fire Department) and its citizens everyday driving down Horton Way,” said Elyria Fire Department Chief Joe Pronesti in the release. “He deserves it, and everyone hereafter donning our patch will be reminded of the Horton Way.”
Madison is Elyria’s accomplished Olympian and overall track and field phenom, the release said.
She has won three gold medals including leading off the gold winning/world record-setting 4×100-meter relay race in the 2012 Olympics.
Madison went on to win two more gold medals in 2016 in the long jump.
She is a graduate of Elyria High School and the University of Tennessee.
Maxwell, Elyria’s legendary football player who, along with Les Miles, led the Elyria Pioneers 1971 football team to an undefeated season.
Maxwell was All-Ohio and All-America and received the Golden Helmet in 1971.
“We take great pride in the placement of these historical markers that will provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the significant contributions of Elyria’s history,” Whitfield said in the release. “These markers are a testament to our commitment in honoring and celebrating the history of Elyria and its people and a wonderful way to ensure future generations are able to learn about the individuals that shaped our great city.”
Horton’s marker Mark Horton Way is on Cedar Street; Madison’s marker Tianna Madison Way is on Middle Avenue; and Maxwell’s marker Honorary Ike Maxwell Ave. is on 13th Street.
“We have organizations who have already requested additional honors be made for Elyrians and we hope that the city will continue to identify and celebrate those who have contributed to making Elyria what it is today,” the release said.
