Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Exhibit: Police and Fire Fighters

There are three kinds of public artwork in Philadelphia associated with police and fire fighters - memorials, station art, and historical references to Philadelphia as the home of the country's first volunteer fire brigade. Despite some overlap, the artwork is divided here into those three categories.


Memorials

Engine Company 1 Memorial Plaque
* In memory of Aloysius Boyle, Thomas Donahue, Oliver Exley, John Gormley, William Heller, James Kelley, George McConoghy, John Minnick, George Murray, James Shea, John Welsh and Howard Wilson
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
In memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice
Lest we forget
FF. Oliver Exley   Truck E   05/12/1881
FF. William Heller   Engine 1   02/20/1897
FF. James Shea   Engine 1   03/02/1899
FF. James Kelley   Truck E   03/30/1905
FF. Aloysius Boyle   Truck E   11/10/1905
FF. John Minnick   Ladder 5   06/05/1925
BC. George McConoghy   Battalion 1   07/23/1928
FF. John Gormley   Ladder 5   01/24/1937
FF. George Murray   Ladder 5   10/19/1937
BC. Howard Wilson   Engine 1   03/24/1945
FF. Thomas Donahue   Engine 1   01/26/1954
FF. John Welsh   Ladder 5   06/12/1973
Dedicated by the members of E-1, L-5, Bn-1 & Medic 35
 * In front of Engine Company 1. East side of Broad, South of Bainbridge.
* 39.942290,-75.165525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour



Roll of Honor
1956
* small head, upper body and arm, hat, police call box
* inscription:
Police Department
City of Philadelphia
In grateful memory of those who gave their lives in performance of their duty
 * Courtyard (Southeast corner). City Hall. Market, West of Juniper.
* 39.952250,-75.163325 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page



Living Flame Memorial
Reginald Beauchamp, 1976
* abstract flame, police and fire department logos
* Police and Fire Memorial. Painted during the 2006 Franklin Square renovation. The first picture is without the paint.
* Franklin Square. Northwest corner, 6th and Race.
* 39.955400,-75.149825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Reginald Beauchamp page
+historicphiladelphia.org's Franklin Square page
+wikipedia.org's Franklin Square page



Port Richmond Firefighters Memorial
2005
* Memorial to Richard F. Devine, William J. Robinson, Rey Rubio, John Taylor and Thomas Vaughan
* black polished etched stone in the shape of the Fire Department emblem, two people kneeling, one winged, one wearing a helmet
* inscription:
Philadelphia Fire Department
Engine Company #28
To honor our firefighters who have lost their lives while protecting and serving the great community of Port Richmond
When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save some life whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if ascending to my fate I am to lose my life
please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
FF Thomas Vaughan
March 13, 1904
FF William J. Robinson
January 15, 1905
FF Richard F. Devine
July 29, 1999
Capt. John Taylor
August 20, 2004
FF Rey Rubio
August 20, 2004
Dedicated August 20, 2005
 * In front of Engine Company 28. Southwest side of Ontario between Belgrade and Miller.
* 39.988925,-75.099950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* Other exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+Richard Devine memorial page on angelfire.com
+firemanshallmuseum.org's Engine 28 page



Gulf Refinery Fire Memorial
2007
* Plaques in memory of John Andrews, Carrol Brenek, Ralph Campana, Robert J. Fisher, Hugh McIntyre, Roger Parker, James Pouliot and Joseph R. Wiley
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
The plaques below memorialize those firefighters who lost their lives at the Gulf Refinery Fire on August 17, 1975
 * Sidewalk. On the West side of Fireman's Hall Museum. East side of 2nd, North of Quarry.
* 39.953290,-75.142910 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's 1975 Philadelphia Refinery Fire page
+firemanshallmuseum.org



Robert Porter Memorial Plaque
2007
* In memory of Robert Porter
* police badge with number
* inscription:
In Memory of
Police Officer Robert "Petey" Porter
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia on
January 19, 1996
 * Sidewalk. African Methodist Episcopal Church, First District Plaza. North side of Market, West of 38th.
* 39.956877,-75.198700 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of Technology tour
* Other exhibits: New, Black Lives
* See also:
+odmp.org's Robert Porter page



Berg Laboratories Explosion Memorial
2008
* Memorial to Joseph Bandos, James Doyle, Charles Holtzman, Bernard Junod, Thomas Kline, Walter E. Lyszkowski, John Magrann, John News, James F. Tygh, Joseph Vivian and Thomas Wilson
* names and logos
* inscription: (combined from 11 individual plaques)
In memory of
Deputy Chief Thomas Kline, October 28, 1954
Battalion Chief John Magrann, October 28, 1954
Batallion Chief John News, October 28, 1954
Lieutenant Charles Holtzman, October 29, 1954
Fireman Joseph Bandos, October 28, 1954
Fireman James Doyle, October 29, 1954
Fireman Bernard Junod, November 3, 1954
Fireman Walter E. Lyszkowski, August 8, 1958
Fireman James F. Tygh, October 28, 1954
Fireman Joseph Vivian, October 29, 1954
Fireman Thomas Wilson, October 29, 1954
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia
 * Sidewalk. Northeast corner City Hall. Southwest corner, Juniper and JFK.
* 39.952930,-75.162720 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page



One Meridian Plaza Fire Memorial
2009
* Memorial to James A. Chappell, David P. Holcombe and Phyllis McAllister
* small firefighter helmets
* inscription:
To sacrifice one's own safety
in the service of others
requires a courage that is rare.
Those among us who do
are true heroes.
 * South side of S. Penn Square, West of Broad.
* 39.951565,-75.164500 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* Other exhibits: Black Lives
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's One Meridian Plaza page
+findagrave.com's James A. Chappell page
+findagrave.com's David P. Holcombe page
+findagrave.com's Phyllis McAllister page



St. John's Fire Memorial
2011
* In memory of William Chance, Hugh Duffy, James Shea and George Steinle
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
Hoseman George Steinle
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman William Chance
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman Hugh Duffy
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia on February 17, 1899
Hoseman James Shea
Died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia on March 2, 1899
 * Sidewalk. In front of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951375,-75.161500 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* See also:
+stjohnsphilly.org



October 4, 1922 Fire Memorial Plaque
2014 (approximate)
* Memorial to Albert Fischer, Thomas Gilloway, Patrick A. Murray and Edward Paxson
* Philadelphia Fire Department insignia
* inscription:
Ladderman Thomas Gilloway Truck 2
Ladderman Edward Paxson Truck 2
Hoseman Patrick A. Murray Engine 21
Hoseman Albert Fischer Engine 21
Who died in the line of duty while serving the citizens of Philadelphia on October 4, 1922
Dedicated by their family and friends
 * Wall. North side of Arch, East of 4th..
* 39.952420,-75.146375 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+newspapers.com clip about the fire and the firefighters



Police and Fire Station Art

Firefighter Gargoyles
John Molitor (Architect), 1925
* small crouching people wearing hats and helmets, firefighting equipment
* Was on the Southwest corner, Juniper and Race. Removed from the building 2008 prior to demolition for Convention Center expansion. Coordinates were entered after the demolition and are approximate.
* Entrance.
* 39.956050,-75.161750 [map] [nearby]
* Other exhibits: Missing, Gargoyles
* See also:
+Max Buten's page for this piece
+Gargoyle Hunter page for this piece
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
+phillyhistory.org's 1928 picture of the front of the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org's John Molitor page



Gargoyles
1927
* small heads
* Fire station wall. South corner, Foulkrod and Darrah.
* 40.017000,-75.081340 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lower Northeast tour
* Other exhibits: Gargoyles



Main Street Fire Station Lion Heads
John Molitor (Architect), 1928
* small anthropomorphic lion heads
* Front wall. Engine Company 12. North side of Main, East of Green.
* 40.026720,-75.226475 [map] [nearby]
* On the Manayunk tour
* Other exhibits: Gargoyles
* See also:
+philadelphiabuilding.org's entry for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org's John Molitor page
+firemanshallmuseum.org's Engine 12 page



Phoenix Above Maltese Cross
Sarala Ruth Pinto, 1962
* phoenix, maltese cross
* Wall. East side of 12th North of Reed.
* 39.932600,-75.163885 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour



Firemen
Gerd Utescher, 1964
* small group of people standing, some partial, hatchet, hats
* Wall. West side of Richmond, North of Kirkbride.
* 40.001275,-75.065950 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lower Northeast tour
* See also:
+askart.com's Gerd Utescher page



Guardians of Fire
Gerd Utescher, 1964
* small group of people standing, fire
* In front of Engine Company 1. East side of Broad, South of Bainbridge.
* 39.942290,-75.165525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+askart.com's Gerd Utescher page



Horses Drawing Fire Engine
John Godfrey, 1964
* small horses, fire engine
* Entrance. Fire station, South side of Market between 21st and 22nd.
* 39.953700,-75.175525 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour



Fireman Carrying A Hatchet
Dexter Jones, 1967
* small standing person, helmet, hatchet, stairs
* Wall. Boudinot Street and Hart Lane.
* 39.993635,-75.122870 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* See also:
+woodmereartmuseum.org's Dexter Jones page
+nationalsculpture.org's Dexter Jones Award



Benjamin Franklin in Fireman's Hat
Dexter Jones, 1968
* Head of Benjamin Franklin
* big head, hat
* South wall. Engine 8. North side of Arch, East of 4th.
* 39.952425,-75.146450 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+woodmereartmuseum.org's Dexter Jones page
+nationalsculpture.org's Dexter Jones Award
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+firemanshallmuseum.org's Engine 8 page



Hose Team In Action
Harold Kimmelman, 1971
* two people, one standing, one kneeling, helmets, firehose
* On the wall. Engine Company 28. Southwest side of Ontario between Belgrade and Miller.
* 39.988900,-75.099975 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* See also:
+hksculpt.com
+firemanshallmuseum.org's Engine 28 page



Policeman and Children
Gerd Utescher, 1971
* group of people standing, hat
* according to the Smithsonian the title is unofficial
* Over the entrance. 35th District Police Precinct. West side of Broad, South of Champlost.
* 40.044220,-75.143750 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+askart.com's Gerd Utescher page
+phillypolice.com's 35th District page



Fire Engine
Harold Kimmelman, 1972
* small horses, fire-fighting equipment, sitting person, standing person
* Front wall. Fire Station, North side of Frankford between Decatur and Harel.
* 40.040575,-75.030900 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lower Northeast tour
* See also:
+hksculpt.com



Fireman Rescuing Woman
Gerd Utescher, 1972
* two people, one standing, one carried, fire helmet with 51
* According to the Smithsonian both the title and the artist attribution are unofficial.
* South facing wall. Engine Company 51. East side of Old York South of Champlost.
* 40.044265,-75.144380 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+askart.com's Gerd Utescher page
+firemanshallmuseum.org's Engine 51 page



Fire Hat
Harold Kimmelman, 1975
* Helmet
* Wall. Northwest corner, 56th and Chestnut.
* 39.959575,-75.233050 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hksculpt.com



A Friend
Charles Parks, 1976
* two people, one standing, one sitting, hat, gun
* Was on the South side of Race between 7th and 8th outside the Roundhouse. Removed some time prior to August 18, 2022
* 39.954750,-75.152000 [map] [nearby]
* Other exhibits: Missing
* See also:
+ wikipedia.org's Charles Parks page
+whyy.org article about The Roundhouse



Colonial Scene
Harold Kimmelman, 1976
* small fire-fighting equipment, standing people, headgear
* Wall. North side of Grays Ferry between Stanley and 31st.
* 39.939325,-75.194375 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+hksculpt.com



Firemen in Action
Harold Kimmelman, 1976
* small standing and running people wearing helmets, fire-fighting equipment
* Wall. Northwest corner, 6th and South.
* 39.942075,-75.152400 [map] [nearby]
* On the Lombard-South tour
* See also:
+hksculpt.com



Phoenix Rising in Flames
Natalie Charkow Hollander, 1976
* phoenix, flames
* In front of the Fire Administration Building. South side of Spring Garden, East of 3rd.
* 39.960560,-75.143025 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* See also:
+gf.org's Natalie Charkow Hollander page
+phila.gov's Fire Department page



Horse Team and Pumper Making A Run
Harold Kimmelman, 1978
* small seated person, partial person, hat and helmet, fire-fighting equipment, horses
* Wall. West side of 2nd, North of York.
* 39.987575,-75.135825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kensington tour
* See also:
+hksculpt.com



Fire Rescue Scene of Infant
Rebecca Rose, 1986
* small people standing, carried, helmets, fire-fighting equipment, parts of building
* Wall. South side of Snyder just West of 4th.
* 39.922225,-75.153775 [map] [nearby]
* On the South Philly tour
* See also:
+rebecca-rose.wixsite.com/rosebridge



Historical

Fireman's Hall Sign
* small sign, fire engine, horse, sitting people, helmets
* South wall. Fireman's Hall Museum. Just East of 2nd and Quarry.
* 39.953230,-75.142850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Old City tour
* See also:
+firemanshallmuseum.org



Philadelphia Firsts
George Greenamyer, 1998
* Portrayals of and references to John Bartram, William Camac, Mary Cassatt, Rebecca Cole, Thomas Eakins, John Fitch, Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson and Betsy Ross
* small standing people, building, tiger, boat, fish, fire, medical and fire-fighting equipment, flag, plant
* inscription:
First American Zoo
1874
The first animal and Dr. William Camac, founder
First American museum and art school
1805
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassat
First American volunteer fire company
1736
The union, founded by Benjamin Franklin
First American botanical garden
1728
Bartram's Gardens
John Bartram with Franklinia alatamaha
First American steamboat
1785
John Fitch, inventor
First African-American to graduate from the Women's Medical College
1867
Dr. Rebecca Cole
First American Flag
1777
Betsy Ross, seamstress
Francis Hopkinson, alleged designer
 * On top of a pole outside 1515 Arch (aka One Parkway).
* 39.954900,-75.166100 [map] [nearby]
* On the Parkway and Pennsylvania tour
* See also:
+greenamyer.com
+wikipedia.org's John Bartram page
+phillymag.com article about the zoo that mentions William Camac
+wikipedia.org's Mary Cassatt page
+wikipedia.org's Rebecca Cole page
+wikipedia.org's Thomas Eakins page
+wikipedia.org's John Fitch page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+wikipedia.org's Francis Hopkinson page
+ushistory.org's Betsy Ross page