Fire, Water, Earth, Air

We propose an inspired design that manifests the humanity of dedicated firefighters engaged in a perpetual struggle with the elemental forces that both imperil and save lives.  Creating a dramatically heroic image coupled with an intimately contemplative space, this design would be a landmark memorial that would stand in testament to the enduring vigilance of Firefighters.

Four life bronze figures, a plume of water, and falling water are contrasted with an abstract stone and concrete form supporting a stainless steel flame sculpture, which in turn holds an eternal frame.  Its primary image is of the water crashing in a cascade against the steel, creating a dramatic backdrop to the figures of the two firefighters and a paramedic giving aid to a little child.  While in the foreground, a historic firefighter from the past views the scene.

Large, monumental forms will dominate the contemplative side.  The reverent simplicity of this side will focus the viewer's attention on the names of the fallen inscribed into the black polished granite facing.

Though no longer visible, the pulse of the water beating against the steel and cascading into the pool will create an audible backdrop to the contemplation of the firefighters' ultimate sacrifices.  A long low bench will provide seating and can be engraved with the names of donors.

 For summer-time special events, the bronze fire-hydrant by the 1920's style firefighter at the memorial's edge could double as a water element itself.  It could be turned on to spray the area in front of the memorial, making an impromptu water-park much as is sometimes seen when firemen open street hydrants to give children playful relief from the summer heat.

At night, a water-proof spotlight will shine up through an opening in the steel, dramatically illuminating the mist of water rising off the spray.

In addition to the spotlight, submerged lights in the pool will back light the waterfall and figures.

The overall dimensions of the design would be approximately 28 feet in diameter, and 20 feet to the top of the steel flame sculpture.  The figures would be cast in museum quality silicon bronze.

Although the above site-plan was created for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Memorial it can be modified in size and design for any city.  Our proposal came in second out of more than 70 submissions, and it received 68 out of 70 votes by the Toledo firefighters.  The Toledo Arts Commission chose a modern non-figurative wall design.