Art Prints by Firefighter and Artist Scott Boulton

I started "Forever in our Memory" and approximately 80 board hours later it was complete. I tried to represent the brotherhood, camaraderie and teamwork associated with the fire service. The eagle soaring in portrays America; "We’re all in this together". As my bio mentioned, I was a commercial illustrator before I becoming a firefighter. I developed a passion for the fire service over the last seven years of employment. I feel honored and humbled to illustrate a subject so meaningful to me. I planned on starting a firefighting art company in a year or so. However, with the events of September 11 and my rendering of "Forever in our Memory," the time was now. I developed a team that had the same passion as I. I would like to thank Howard Thompson, Sonja Orahoske, Paul and Will Mueller with Suburban Press, Karen Skunta and Company, Caroline Grossi Communication, and my family. Everyone worked long and hard to meet our dead line of November 18th, the day scheduled for the FDNY memorial. Even though the memorial was postponed, we still decided to make the trip to New York. With little budget we designed a web site, started merchant accounts, became incorporated, set up printing and distribution, and worked at the firehouse, where I painted Heroes. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever sleep again. My team persevered. They knew this mission was important to assure the everlasting memory of our fallen comrades by providing comfort to the survivors of FDNY.

With my vehicle packed, I put the finishing touches on the framed lithographs. I was headed for New York City for the first time. New York was amazing! The size, the sounds, everything seemed larger than life. We checked in to our hotel around 11p.m. The lobby was packed with firefighters from around the world; all there for the same objective, to lend support to FDNY. This made me proud to be a firefighter! Over the next few days I was humbled at the opportunity to speak with the media: Fox News, Channel 12 News, News 1, and the Channel 8 morning show about creating this everlasting memorial. Nothing could prepare me for the overpowering emotions I felt when I visited and presented the "Forever in our Memory" lithograph to Engine 54- Ladder 4, Engine 5, Ladder 8, and Engine 9-Ladder 6. It was unbelievable to be there. Their eyes spoke a thousands words. For some it was a flashback, to others hope, but to all, it was comforting knowing their fallen comrades would never be forgotten. It was all worth it. At that moment everything was right. I can’t explain the feeling in my heart knowing my rendering could mean so much to these valiant heroes. I was there to show my support, but they were first worried about me, these men are selfless! "What can we get you to drink?" "Come sit down, what do you want to eat?" "Can I get you anything?" This is why our brotherhood is so strong. We feel like family. We put our lives on the line for each other every day. After they fed us, and we were all sitting around talking, I had the men sign my helmet something I can hand down to my son showing him real life heroes. With every autograph, there is a story. One firefighter explained how his ladder company was running up the stairs of the north tower to combat the fire. Stating it was difficult with all the jet fuel running down the stairs. They were approximately 57 floors up when they stopped and helped a woman who had slipped. They made sure she was OK and able to continue down the stairs. They were getting ready to continue upward, when a battalion chief came through a fire door on that floor, stating the south tower collapsed. They rushed down the stairway exiting the tower one minute thirty seconds prior to its collapse. Another firefighter explained how he and his partner were running from the collapse when a beam hit and killed his partner, who had a wife and 3 kids. Without question he explained how he would have traded places with his partner so he could have lived. This is the kind of men they are. Other firefighters explained how they watched the events unfold on TV at there outlying fire stations, As the event became larger they were soon called to ground zero. The pain was evident in every word they spoke. When entering the disaster they recognized engines and ladder companies. Their trucks were fully destroyed, with no survivors present. It was hard keeping their pain in check. All they knew was that they had to find their brothers’. Day after day FDNY worked tirelessly, never giving up hope. I can only imagine the grief in their hearts when the rescue became a recovery. A firefighter never gives up. FDNY proved again why they’re considered the best!

I was asked if my rendering could be on permanent display at FDNY fire museum. My response was yes! During my visit to the fire museum, I was intrigued by FDNY traditions and how the ideals and traits from decades before are still evident in FDNY today.

I found myself reflecting back on my family ties with, with Cleveland Fire dept. My 5th great grandfather, Henry P. Boulton helped create the first ladder company in Cleveland, Ladder #1, in the year 1862. He actually designed parts of the harness system, so the horses could pull the ladder. His son, my 4th great grandfather Henry B. Boulton was a thirty-four year veteran of Engine Company #3. As I viewed their

photographs I could only imagine the hardships they must have faced. From the up keep of the boilers to the endless hours caring for their horses, I’m sure they would be proud of how far we have come.

I am proud that I was able to create a memorial for these fine men. I thank all of you, who have purchased "Forever in our memory". You should feel proud. You’ve helped insure the memory of these fine men, which will never be forgotten. The proceeds from your lithograph will contribute towards creating this everlasting memorial. A special Edition lithograph will be dedicated to each FDNY station.

I came to New York to show my support for the survivors of FDNY. I was there to help. However they helped me to understand again what it means to be a firefighter!

New friendships were born. Many new ones to come. Follow my progress through pictures and stories, as I dedicate this memorial to other FDNY stations in the near future.

As one FDNY Firefighter stated "You don’t know how much everyone’s support means to us."