HAMILTON, Ohio — While there are dozens of murals in the city of Hamilton, a brand new one is in the works, and it has a little bit more meaning behind it. That’s because it honors the firefighters in the city and was designed by the wife of a third-generation firefighter.
What You Need To Know
- Jen Eickelberger has always wanted to design a mural in downtown Hamilton
- As a wife of a third-generation firefighter, when the opportunity arose to design a mural to honor the firefighters in the area, she jumped on it
- The design also commemorates the 13 firefighters that died in the line of duty
- Current and former firefighters also had the chance to help with painting the mural
Jen Eickelberger has always wanted to design a mural in Hamilton. Now, she has the mural design job of her dreams.
“So exciting to see it come from my design and these guys are helping me bring it to life,” Eickelberger said.
Eickelberger is the wife of a third-generation firefighter, so when the opportunity arose to design a mural to honor the fire department, she knew she had to go all in.
“I know that this means a lot to these men and women, and I just wanted to honor them and show their courage through the design,” she said.
Her husband said when he saw the design for the first time, he was so excited to see it come to life.
“I was very proud of her,” said Tommy Eickelberger, the assistant chief at the Hamilton Fire Department. “I’ve always known she was a good artist, and I know she cares deeply about the community and the fire service family, especially here in Hamilton.”
The finished product will depict a firefighter surrounded by smoke with the city on the horizon and 13 stars in the background.
“There’s 13 stars in the design. There’s 13 firemen that have lost their life in the line of duty, so we wanted to honor them,” Eickelberger said. “That’s why the firemen are out here today helping paint because it’s such a cool thing to have them be a part of it.”
Firefighters and their families had the chance to help paint the stars, making sure they have a hand in the mural.
Eickelberger said she can’t wait for the entire community to see the finished product.
“I want the community to look at it and have pride in their fire department because they’re here for their community,” she said.
