On January 24th, 2020, I was lucky enough to be a part of opening Station 5 for Aurora Fire Department. During the grand opening, we also unveiled the new Memorial Bench that I completed.
This memorial bench pays tribute to the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11.
Sculpted for Aurora Fire Department in Colorado, this memorial bench pays tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives tragically on 9/11. Made from premium bronze, a black and bronze F.D.N.Y. bunker jacket hangs on one side of the bench. An incredibly detailed and realistic rescue dog flanks the other side, paw gently resting on the seat. He is also accompanied by a F.D.N.Y. helmet. I sculpted the 343 using a special technique to create the illusion of a textured surface. The bench is a red steel, and this sculpture will last generations and allow all who visit to pay their respects to the sacrifice of all men and women of the fire service who lay down their lives everyday to protect their communities.
It was an overwhelming and humbling experience to reflect on the sacrifice of the first responders who lost their lives on that day. We strive to honor their legacies everyday through our work with our Fire Departments and within our communities.
The memorial bench can be viewed in person in Aurora, Colorado: Fire Rescue – City of Aurora (auroragov.org)
“Never Forgetting our Heroes” – austinweishel.com Aurora Fire Department
