Mural In Bel Air Dedicated To First Responders

BEL AIR, MD — The town of Bel Air dedicated its new mural to first responders on Wednesday. Located on exterior wall of the Bel Air Armory Marketplace, the piece called "Champions of Courage" was made possible by the Town of Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission.

For those who want to check it out, the mural is on the side of the Armory closest to Tiger Lily and is visible from the parking lot.

Marshall Adams, an artist from Harford County who now lives in Baltimore, was commissioned to create the artwork. It features an eagle with the words: "Courage first. Dedication always. Thank you First Responders."

The image is designed "to encourage people to be courageous and remind people of the heroic acts of first responders," Adams told The Aegis.

Community members gathered in front of "Champions of Courage" for a small ceremony Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the piece, which was completed in August. Bel Air Mayor Susan Burdette delivered remarks, and Harford County Community and Economic Development Administrator Robert Andrews issued a proclamation on behalf County Executive Barry Glassman. Members of the Bel Air Police Department, Harford County Sheriff's Office, Havre de Grace Police Department and Maryland State Police were also among those in attendance.

Bel Air Police Chief Charles Moore called the artwork a "wonderful and inspiring" tribute. He thanked Adams, the town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission.

"First responders are the backbone of our country, and as we all know, every day there are news reports — sometimes from afar and unfortunately sometimes right here in our own backyard — of first responders, EMTs, firemen, policemen making the ultimate sacrifice," Moore said in a speech at the dedication. "There are also many, many examples of acts of bravery, courage and sacrifice made by first responders. Some of these examples become news stories, but many don't. As we all know, these sacrifices can be large, such as giving one's own life, or not so large, like missing your son's baseball game." He said that emergency officials make these sacrifices "to save a life, to promote a feeling of safety and security" in the community.

"First responders, soldiers, dispatchers know that their chances of becoming wealthy when deciding to pursue a career as a public servant are slim. They know that their chances of making the ultimate sacrifice are there, and life can be difficult," Moore said. "But those passionate and dedicated still answer that call, the call to serve and to make a difference in humanity."

"Champions of Courage" is located outside the Armory Marketplace, 37 North Main Street, Bel Air.

Photos and video by Elizabeth Janney.