SHAMOKIN, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local fire company is helping the city of Shamokin revitalize the area by bringing a splash of color to its station.
Shooting flames can be seen at the rescue fire station in Shamokin early Friday, but it’s not an active scene; it’s a painting project.
Volunteer firefighter and tattoo artist Joseph Stewart has taken on the massive task of creating a mural to spotlight the company on North Liberty Street, working all hours of the morning.
"How I normally do it with my tattooing on my tablet, I pretty much just used my freehanding capabilities, and it just came pretty natural, believe it or not," stated Joseph Stewart, mural artist/firefighter at Rescue Fire Company.
Getting this far in just a week, he utilizes a sponge and paintbrush to create the effect of flames and silhouettes of fire, police, EMS, and military members.
"I wanted to let them know that they are seen too and we appreciate every bit of what they do," said Stewart.
Rescue Fire Lieutenant Matt Lauro says this all started with wanting to help revitalize the city.. And recruit volunteers.
"Specifically trying to get the youth off the streets in the fire house where they can learn things like leadership and pride."
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Also raising funds for the fire company through its social quarter bar to afford new equipment.
"We do more than just put out fires; we really are involved in our community and love our community," stated Lauro.
This wall of flames is just phase one of a three-year project, where the station, which dates back to 1880, will be showcasing the timeline of the local fire company’s history.
A long way to go, but Stewart says he’s honored to take on the job, taking in new knowledge that he can share, reflecting on what his late father did with him as a Philadelphia fireman.
"He gave his life to the service… me being able to pass it down, not only to our junior firefighters that we have so many of, but the younger firefighters, as well as my children. It’s super super important."
The first phase of the mural is expected to be completed by next week, but if you’d like to support the rescue fire company, they’re hosting a cornhole tournament beginning at 6:30.
