EMMITSBURG, Md. -- "What better tribute to firefighters and their sacrifices..."
That's how Loveland-Symmes Fire Chief Otto Huber proudly explained the murals on the engine parked near the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial this past weekend.
The middle panel door depicts a night shot of the 9/11 monument on the campus of the National Fire Academy. On the door to the right, is a photograph of the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial with an eagle flying in the foreground.
The logo of the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation graces the first, narrow door. On the other side, is a picture of the World Trade Center and the infamous date -- Sept.11.
Thousands who attended the annual memorial service this past weekend took pictures and videos of the 2009 Sutphen pumper as proud members answered questions.
"We're incredibly proud of it," Huber said as he watched the crowd examining the panels. "Some are just in awe of it."
The new engine needs to be equipped before it's placed in service.
Huber said the message speaks volumes about the hard work firefighters across America do every day. "What a better billboard than put this on a fire truck..."
The man who took the gripping night photograph of the 9/11 monument was nearly speechless when a colleague called to inform him that his picture was gracing the side of the fire truck.
"It was definitely a surprise. What a tremendous honor," said Mark Whitney.
What makes the selection even more special is that Whitney, a USFA staff member, compiles statistics and data about firefighter deaths.
"I'm flattered and honored," he said Sunday morning as he watched people admiring his photograph.
Huber said his department is working with Code 3 officials to create miniatures of the truck. "The proceeds of the sales will go to the NFFF," he added. "Hopefully, they will be ready in the spring."
This isn't the first engine that firefighters have decorated either. Another honors the bravery of American soldiers.
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder said he was pleased with the positive response and praise the truck and members received this weekend. "It's been a very proud time for us..."