The Making and Meaning of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Tribute

The Making and Meaning of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Tribute. . , This sculpture pays tribute to the past success, present vibrancy, and bright future of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. It acknowledges the selflessness of the fire fighters, EMS, Ladies Auxiliary, and the community of Seaford, Delaware. It is dedicated to the people we have lost, to the people that have served, the people that now serve, and to those that will serve tomorrow., Every part of the Tribute has a special meaning. A pyramidal stainless-steel diamond-plated base is constructed of materials traditionally used in the fabrication of fire trucks. It supports a bundle of stainless-steel tubes shaped and lit by Light Emitting Diodes (LED) to resemble a flame. These are the fires we fight, the flame that burns for those we’ve lost, and the light that leads us into the future., The insignia on the Tribute base is the patch of the Seaford Vol. Fire Dept., Inc. It mirrors the concrete and brick pavers at the base that are shaped as a Maltese Cross. This symbolizes the Fire Fighter’s badge of honor - their courage fighting fires and coming to the rescue of those in need. Use of modern technology such as 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD), automated laser-cut steel, and LED lighting (soon to be powered by solar cells) brings us back to modern day and summons thoughts of the future. What will the flame look like tomorrow or when it snows?, Although the flame is immovable it is designed to change shape as people walk or drive by. Sunlight reflection and remotely controlled programmable LEDs provide endless nighttime variation so that the experience of viewing the tribute is different for every individual, every time. The LEDs have been programmed to simulate a flame reflecting the seasons of the year, special events, and with solemn and subdued colors they shine in remembrance of SVFD and community members that have left us., The Tribute was first drawn by hand and modeled before undergoing 3D CAD modeling. The CAD data was transferred to a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine that cut and shaped the steel parts. While this was being completed the foundation, the sidewalks and the site lighting were installed. After fabrication and surface finishing the LEDs were installed in the flame, the programmable modules installed in the base and it all was assembled and tested in the shop. The Tribute was then lifted by crane in two large parts (base and flame), placed on its triangular base, bolted down, powered, and lit for the first time on September 11, 2017.