Vigilance

Memorial in Portsmouth honors sacrifice and heroism of firefighters

The sacrifice and heroism of generations of Port City firefighters came to the forefront Thursday night as hundreds turned out for the formal dedication of the newest addition of city-owned public art called "Vigilance."

Complete with two 400-pound bronze firefighters representing the past and present, about 6,000 bricks, and 600 gallons of water circulating through the fountain, the monument was officially unveiled in front of the Central Fire Station on Oct 2009.

Birch's design was selected in 2007 following a highly competitive process. He is most known for his large sculptures in communities and corporations throughout the state, including the "New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial" on the Statehouse grounds in Concord, "The Founders Gate" in Exeter, Littleton's beloved "Pollyanna" sculpture and a wooden mosaic designed for Dover's McConnell Community Center.

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