Memorial sculpture created to honor firemen

A new public figure has joined the variety of metal sculptures in the Ritzville community with the addition of the “On the Scene” statue outside of the fire station. Dennis Sackmann, with the help of other local firefighters, created the tribute sculpture to honor firefighters who have passed away and those who have dedicated 25 years of service.

The concept for the sculpture began at a firemen’s meeting in early March when Rural Fire Chief Scott Kembel asked those in attendance how they felt about a memorial statue. Throughout the meeting, Sackmann began sketching ideas he had for a potential sculpture.

After the meeting, Sackmann showed Kembel the drawing of his rendition of the sculpture and the two decided to have him build a prototype. Sackmann had always had a natural artistic talent for sketching and has been credited for the creation of the patch Ritzville firefighters wear on their jackets and the patch Washtucna firemen have on the helmets.

Sackmann, who works as the facilities manager for the Adams County Public Works Solid Waste Department, has always enjoyed drawing and sketching. As a farmer, Sackmann created a variety of things and was affectionately given the name “MacGyver” by his family.

By the time the next meeting was held, Sackmann had created a prototype of what he envisioned the sculpture should look like. It was later decided at that meeting to complete the sculpture in house instead of contracting out. A group of firemen donated equipment and volunteered their time to help complete the sculpture.

After creating the prototype with a foam material, Sackmann realized the sculpture would have to be changed because the metal could not mold like the foam. In order to get ideas for how the sculpture should be built, Sackmann walked around town and observed other metal sculptures created by local artists. He took photos of different elements of the statues that he liked and even photographed sculptures in Spokane for additional motivation.

Since the group did not have the compatibility to bend the metal, Sackmann worked to create a more simplistic and uniformed design. With help from Kembel, Lindsey and Andy Lefevre, Mark Shepherd, Jim Bostic, Joel Bell and Robert Reynolds, the sculpture project was underway.

Between the hard work of the volunteers and contributions made from local firemen, the sculpture expanded to include a variety of details. The most noticeable contrast on the sculpture is the eyes of the two firemen, as the eyes are steel ball bearings.

The hose being held by the kneeling fireman is actually an overhead garage door spring. Kembel donated the hydrant sitting beside the men and the hydrant wrench was found in the station, chromed and added to the sculpture.

A final detail and important symbol for the fire department was added with the help of Paul, Justin and Travis Simonson. The Simonson men have a digital plasma cutter and were able to create the RFD shields for the helmets on the two firemen statues.

The initial goal for the group was to have the sculpture complete in time for the annual firemen’s breakfast during the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Sackmann said that it was about 90 percent complete at the time, but decided to wait to unveil the sculpture.

The sculpture was powder coated in Spokane and returned to Ritzville in time for the sculpture to be a main spectacle in the Ritzville Community Parade on Labor Day weekend.

Sackmann has served as a fireman in Adams County for a total of 34 years. He began as a fireman in Washtucna in 1978 and 11 years later moved to the Ritzville department where he has served for the past 23 years.

Over his 34 years as a fireman, Sackmann said he has had the opportunity to serve alongside some truly amazing individuals and many people who have inspired him. For Sackmann, the sculpture serves as a remembrance to those firefighters who are no longer with the department.

“It was a dream of mine to do something like that,” Sackmann explained. “I’m proud to be a volunteer fireman and I’ve always enjoyed helping the community.”

The money used to create the sculpture was from the memorial fund at the fire department. The money had specifically been put aside in order to build a memorial tribute to local firefighters.

Even though the sculpture is complete, it still has yet to be permanently installed at the fire department. The two firemen in the sculpture currently face the intersection of First Avenue and Adams Street.

The fire department is hoping to have the sculpture set in concrete before the snow falls and it will remain in its current position next to the flagpole. A plaque is going to be made to honor the firemen, which includes the name of the sculpture.

The name of the sculpture comes from the first radio call from firemen when they reach the location of a fire. When they radio in, the first thing said is that the department is “on the scene.”