Pillar of the Community

Description: Pillar of the Community is a free-standing 14’ tall granite sculpture, located in front of the fire station’s public access. A semi-circular concrete walkway curves across the grass allows access on to the carved granite slab base of the sculpture.

Artist Statement: Sited along a legacy Olmsted-designed boulevard, and inspired by equipment used in firefighting, a classical column is presented as a 14’ granite fire hose with fittings, calling to mind the architecture of nearby Franklin High School.  A carved cityscape based on the Mt. Baker residential neighborhood surrounds the foot of the column.  Together, the work forms a symbol of firefighters’ indispensable service to, and partnership with, the community.  Firefighters from Fire Station 30 contributed to the development of the project’s imagery, which includes a firefighter’s face piece situated atop the column that can be seen from inside the station building.