"Police officers and firefighters often have a thankless job.
They head out into the field not knowing what to expect, sometimes facing life-threatening situations.
But it’s part of the job.
In an effort to recognize the commitment by these men and women, the Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation (WPSRF) unveiled artwork dedicated to the Westminster Police Department and Fire Department on Aug. 6.
The piece, called “Teamwork” and created by Brian Hanlon, of New Jersey, features bronze statues of a firefighter and a police officer, and a large bronze mural of public-safety images. It is displayed in front of the Public Safety Center.
WPSRF is a nonprofit organization that recognizes residents, city employees, businesses, and police and fire personnel for heroism, bravery and acts of service in the name of public safety in Westminster.
In 2006, members of WPSRF put their heads together and began the long process of planning the artwork project.
Back then, no one knew what they are getting themselves into, but the members were determined to make their project happen.
WPSRF chairperson Betty Whorton said it took a lot of patience and hard work to finally get the financing for the project and find the perfect artist.
“We had a general concept of what we wanted, but at the beginning we were way over our heads,” she said. “But we stuck it out and were able to narrow down over 30 artists to just one, as well as get the fundraising going for the project.”
Raising $215,000 was a grass-roots effort, with foundation members asking local businesses for donations and reaching out to city employees.
“Almost 70 percent of the money raised to pay for the artwork came from employees from the city,” Whorton said. “These folks basically paid for this artwork. The whole thing is just amazing.”
During the unveiling ceremony, Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally expressed her thanks to the foundation for the artwork as well her thanks to the men and women who serve Westminster.
She said the everyday police and firefighters are called to work not knowing what to expect, with the goal to keep the city a safe place to live, work and play.
“We wake up every day and are protected, and we go to work,” she said. “But the men and women of police and fire are the ones protecting us. They are the best in the state and the country.”
Hanlon flew in from New Jersey for the unveiling ceremony. Working with the foundation and making trips to Westminster over the years made an impression on the artist.
He said he enjoys community projects such as this one because of the monumental importance the project means to the city.
“I’ve really loved doing this piece. I always felt welcome in Westminster every time I came out,” he said. “You are all very lucky and have a great city. If you were trying to sell the city to me, you definitely did.”
Keeping with the teamwork theme of the artwork, just days before the unveiling, 20 volunteers helped plant more than 1,200 plants to frame the piece, which was donated to the foundation by the Westminster Parks and Recreation Department.
Whorton said the donation and the volunteer work was the icing on the cake to a project that has brought the community together.
“The whole thing has been heartwarming. And it shows that even a handful of people can make big things happen,” she said. “This should give hope to all those other small organizations out there.”
by Ashely Reimers (from (
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