MUSCATINE, Iowa–On First Responders Day, Oct. 28, Muscatine Power and Water held a dedication ceremony for two fire hydrants, painted by local artist Chris P. Anderson to honor the Muscatine Fire and Police Departments. The decorative fire hydrants now sit outside the Public Safety Building at 312 East Fifth Street in Muscatine for the public to enjoy, and to encourage them to reflect on the important services first responders provide for the community.
Over the summer, Director of Customer and Technology Experience for Muscatine Power and Water Erika Cox came to Anderson with the idea of designing and painting the pair of fire hydrants. They explored several ideas before settling on an American flag design for the fire department’s hydrant and a bold and elegant striped design in black, white, and blue with the department’s crest on the police hydrant.
Though painting the hydrants presented a challenge, as Anderson had to work with the many curves of the pieces while creating the designs, he found the process satisfying, as it gave him a way to celebrate the work that first responders do. “I enjoyed knowing that I was making a gift for people in our community,” he said.
During the dedication ceremony, Anderson thanked Muscatine Power and Water for the opportunity to share his art with the community in this creative way. He also thanked the first responders for the services they render to people in need every day: “I have the utmost respect for you, the people who run towards the danger, people who help those in need that maybe can’t help or protect themselves. I hope when you look at these hydrants, you remember that there is much more to them than what you see, much like what you do to help our community.”
