New Ascending Victory statue. {Tamarac Fire Rescue}
Tamarac city leaders and the city’s firefighters celebrated the unveiling of Ascending Victory, a bronze sculpture depicting a firefighter climbing a ladder, in front of Fire Rescue Station 15 on June 17.
City commissioners, community leaders, firefighters, and a large group of retired firefighters, some of whom came from other states, attended the ribbon–cutting ceremony and unveiling of the sculpture.
Retired Tamarc firefighter Lieutenant Paul Kelly, who spent 35 years as a city firefighter and four years designing the sculpture, was honored for his career and contributions to the project. Austin Weishel produced the sculpture but was unable to attend the ceremony.
Fire Chief Michael Annese spoke and said he was pleased to dedicate Ascending Victory, thanking the people who made it possible.
“This image, a firefighter climbing a ladder, is more than a work of art. It is a symbol of service, of bravery, of unwavering commitment to protecting others no matter what the cost,” said Annese.
Commissioner Morey Wright, Vice Mayor Kicia Daniel, Commissioners Krystal Patterson and Marlon Bolton and Fire Chief Michael Annese. {David Volz}
He spoke to the firefighters and said, “To the members of the Tamarac Fire Department, past and present, this statue is a tribute to your courage. It is a reminder to all who pass by of the determination, strength, and heart it takes to wear the uniform.”
Annese also thanked the families of the firefighters for their support while the firefighters were on duty, as well as the Art Committee for their efforts in bringing the sculpture to Tamarac. He also thanked Kelly, “Paul, your passion, persistence, and unwavering commitment were the driving force behind this symbol of the fire service,” he said.
After the ribbon cutting, the firefighter community socialized. Tim Brown, a retired Tamarac firefighter, came from Georgia for the ceremony. “We are a big family, and we take care of each other,” he said.
Tamarac Fire Rescue Station 15 is located at 6000 Hiatus Road.
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Author Profile
- David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.
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