Sterling Heights Firefighter James Nelson suffered a fatal head injury on February 20, 1983, at age 38, when he fell from the fire truck's open cab while responding to an arson fire at Sterling Junior High School on Nineteen Mile Road. His last alarm was March 26, 1983. He left behind a wife, son and daughter. Nelson made a lasting impression on his fellow firefighters for his dedication, service and ultimate sacrifice for the residents of Sterling Heights. In his honor, this 50-acre park was dedicated as James C. Nelson Park on August 21, 1991.