New mural in Bridgeport honors firefighters killed in the line of duty
Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik lost their lives on July 24, 2010, while battling a fire in Bridgeport on July 24, 2010.
A new mural in Bridgeport honors two firefighters who were killed in the line of duty more than a decade ago.
It's painted on the side of the Engine 11/Ladder 11 Fire Station on Ocean Terrace Avenue.
There are three panels of the mural: the local firehouse patch, the city of Bridgeport Fire Department patch, and a panel with two firefighter helmets honoring Lt. Steven Velasquez and firefighter Michel Baik who were killed on duty in 2010. There were battling a house fire on Elmwood A
"We pledge every July 24, when we remember both Lt. Velasquez and firefighter Baik to always remember and never forget. This will allow everyone that drives by to always remember and never forget," said Mark Cody, acting fire chief.
It was painted by Connecticut artist Ryan Chistenson, also known as ARCY.
"I got a picture of this mural as it was completed, and I did send it to the family. They are impressed and they are happy. It brings tears to their eyes. It brought tears to my eyes when I saw it," Cody said.
