(10/1) The town of Emmitsburg is proud to welcome the installation of a new glass etching at the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum and National Heritage Center. The new work of art is completely installed and ready for its dedication set for early October.

Back in March of 2018 this three-panel glass etching, entitled “Volunteers,” arrived at the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum and Community Center just north of the National Fire Academy by way of Emmitsburg Glass personnel. The piece was originally slated for display at the Independent Hose Company (IHC) No. 1 building located at 12 West Church Street in Frederick. Consequently, the new owners of the West Church Street building decided to donate the large etching to the Fire/Rescue Museum in Emmitsburg, working in concert with members of the IHC and the Museum.

The William Cochran original depicts an old 1920’s fire engine departing the old Independent Hose Company fire station. Cochran is a landmark public artist who creates artworks in paint, glass, masonry, steel, stone and light. Some may be familiar with other pieces of Cochran’s work, which can be seen throughout Maryland, including the Carroll Creek bridge murals in downtown Frederick and “the Dreaming” installation in the historic theater district of Frederick, among many other amazing art projects.

The glass etching measures over fifteen feet wide and over eight feet high and weighs in at nearly 1,500 pounds. Kenny Reaver, who led the effort on the day the etching arrived in Emmitsburg, noted that the largest glass panel weighs 900 pounds and is some 9-1/2' x 8' in size. A brick display was built to showcase the beautiful glass etching, and it will be internally illuminated for all to enjoy outside the Fire and Rescue Museum.

Emmitsburg’s Mayor, Don Briggs, has been a great supporter of this opportunity. The overall transfer took some coordination with the new building owner, William Cochran, Independent Hose Company personnel as well as Emmitsburg Glass Company personnel. “It is a very special thing to have a William Cochran work up here in Emmitsburg,” stated Mayor Briggs. The Mayor, staff and Commissioners are excited to welcome this new piece of art into the community.

Installation of the glass etching began in mid August and will be dedicated on Friday October 4 during a lighting ceremony held at 7:30 p.m. This dedication ceremony also happens to fall during the 38th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. All members of the community are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony.