Baytown Firefighter
Memorial
Dedicated
16 May 2009
“A BREATH OF VALOR”
Edd Hayes, Sculptor
In Tribute To Those
Who Gave All
Dedicated to the Firefighters of Baytown
who served our community with
COURAGE, PRIDE, and HONOR
and who have made the
“ULTIMATE SACRIFICE”
Charles E. Williamson - July 25, 1955
Henry K. Rowe - December 30, 1975
Nito R. Guajardo - December 20, 2004
Gaston A. Gagne, III - July 26, 2011
Luv-Jabaar Bell - February 22, 2017
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”A Breath of Valor by Edd Hayes
Life-size bronze sculpture of a Firefighter rescuing a small girl child while giving her a breath from his air tank. Limited Edition of 8. The #1 casting is an installation in Baytown, Texas.
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From the Houston Chronicle
Firefighter Memorial Dedicated - Tara Sullivan, Chronicle Correspondent, Published 5:30 am CDT, Monday, May 18, 2009
Baytown Firefighter Memorial Dedicated
“Three Baytown firefighters who died in the line of duty were honored in Bicentennial Park May 16. They have been commemorated by a plaza and walkway, which lead to a bronze statue of a firefighter rescuing a child.”
“About 100 friends and family members of the fallen, Charles Williamson, who died in 1955, Kenneth Rowe, in 1975 and Nito Guajardo, in 2004, gathered under the shade of the park’s old Oak trees for the Baytown Firefighters Memorial dedication ceremony. Joining them were the Baytown Fire Department and Mark Medrano, Local no. 1173 union president, Sandy McGhee, 11th district vice president of the International Association of Firefighters and city officials.”
“The City of Baytown funded the statue production and plaza design, and granted $30,000 towards the $200,000 construction bill. The city also loaned the remaining Fire Department’s costs. Selling everything from T-shirts and Baytown Fire Department stickers to “pin-up” calendars featuring Baytown firefighters, the fire department continues to raise money to cover their portion. About 25 percent of their goal remains.”
“Stones along the walkway and granite benches surrounding the statue offer sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and community members. Some contributors include ExxonMobil, Bury and Partners Engineering Solutions, and Deputy City Manager and former fire chief, Bob Leiper.”
“The site also pays homage to the firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to others who will give their lives for the good of their community.”