Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, Valparaiso Fire Chief Chad Dutz, and sculptor Ryan Feeney at the “Reflection” statue (Photo courtesy Valparaiso Now Facebook page)
In Valparaiso this past weekend, the dedication of a life-sized cast bronze sculpture called “Reflection,” a tribute to members of the Valparaiso Fire Department who have protected residents of the city for more than 150 years. It’s located at the Indiana Avenue site that served as the fire department from the late 1890’s to 1960’s. The statue is a rendering of a firefighter, reflecting on fires fought, seated on a bench facing the courthouse and city square. Next to him is “Old Joe,” memorializing a beloved fire dog who served the Valparaiso Fire Department in the 1930s. The statue project was initiated by Valparaiso Fire Chief Chad Dutz and made possible by several sponsors including the McMillian Family Foundation, Ms. Patricia S. Crise, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Swihart, Pratt Paper, City of Valparaiso RDC, 1st Source Bank, Walmart, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Conover and Mrs. Suman Das. The statue’s artist is Ryan Feeney, an accomplished sculptor, Indianapolis firefighter and owner/founder of Indy Art Forge. His sculptures include one of Peyton Manning currently on display at Lucas Oil Stadium, an eagle atop an I-beam salvaged from the World Trade Center and a sheriff’s deputy currently on display outside the Indianapolis Sheriff’s Department, among many others.
