Philadelphia is a city known for its extensive collection of murals. These large-scale pieces of art bring life to the walls of our city, offering to all those who lay their eyes upon the murals a slice of history through brush strokes and color. They make once ordinary places extraordinary and turn everyday people into immortal figures. On Thurs., June 10, 2014, two River Wards heroes, Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney, had their heroism and their smiles emblazoned onto a wall in the neighborhood they sacrificed their lives to protect—onto a wall in the neighborhood they loved.

Lt. Neary and Firefighter Sweeney of the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) died in the line of duty on April 9, 2012 at Box 361 (intersection of Front and York Streets) while protecting East Kensington residents and their homes during the five alarm York Street Fire. Though they are gone, the two firefighters will never be forgotten thanks to a new mural dedicated to their memory at 2024 E. Arizona Street. Sponsored by Alexander N. Rubin, Jr. Esq., the City of Philadelphia and Unsung Heroes Gallery, the mural depicts the two fallen heroes in their firefighting gear surrounded by various images that pay respect and tribute to the first responders who keep the City of Brotherly Love safe. Created by David McShane and Jesse Gardner and painted by Kien Nguyen, the mural was completed thanks to the help of the Neary and Sweeney families along with representatives from the Police and Firefighter communities and East Kensington neighbors.

Attending the mural’s dedication were the men and women of the PFD, local politicians, municipal employees, artists, community members and the friends and family of the fallen. Jane Golden, Executive Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, explained how the mural came to be after Alexander N. Rubin, Jr. Esq., took a mural tour in Philadelphia and asked if there was any way he could help the program. Golden, who admittedly is never at a loss for words when it comes to asking for help, went on to describe to Rubin a project that Jesse Gardner of Unsung Heroes Gallery had planned to dedicate to the two brave firefighters who had died that cold Easter Monday. Within a few weeks a check arrived and the concept became reality.

“Murals are mirrors— we hold them up to you and they tell the story of our triumphs and our aspirations, our successes and our heroes,” an impassioned Golden said at the dedication.

Gardner donated space on the wall of his building, Unsung Heroes Gallery, for the mural. But to Gardner, whose gallery’s mission is to advocate for front line first responders and educate the public on related issues through art, exhibitions, multimedia events and gallery talks, donating the space was the least he could do to thank those who keep us safe in times of crisis.

“Of all people, [firefighters] understand how precious every living thing is— they’ve sworn an oath to preserve life. A rare and unique trait that firefighters must have is a willingness to put their own life on the line and make the ultimate sacrifice for someone they have never met. It’s this extraordinary selflessness that everyone who wears a Philadelphia firefighter’s uniform today or in the past assumes with grace and dignity.”

Gardner and artist David McShane designed the mural. Other than being tasked with perfecting the photo-realistic portraits of Neary and Sweeney, the artists looked for ways to incorporate other symbols into the mural. Imagery used on the piece includes columns on either side of the portraits that represent the support the PFD provides to those who call Philadelphia home. The mural also contains symbols that relate to Ladder 10, Ladder 16 and the Philadelphia Fire Fighter and Paramedics Union Local 22.

“It was an honor but a challenge at the same time to take on something like this where there is a lot of respect for the subject,” McShane said. “We wanted to make sure that we were giving it dignity while making a monument that would feel right to family. But although it’s challenging, it’s really rewarding when you see something like today.”

As the mural was dedicated, the Neary and Sweeney families looked on as their loved ones became eternalized in front of their comrades on the very streets they protected.

“My husband was a wonderful man, he was a wonderful father and a wonderful firefighter. He was just a good community member,” Diane Neary, Lt. Neary’s wife, said. “With him being posted up in a tribute to the fire department in the neighborhood that he never wanted to leave, Kensington, he would be so honored. It’s such an honor for me, I feel so proud. It’s so odd to be able to stand on the street and look up at your husband and his memory. I am totally in awe that they did something like this for my husband.”

“It’s hard to put into words,” David Sweeney, Firefighter Sweeney’s father said. “The sadness is there every day; the mural is a beautiful tribute. As a retired member of the fire department, I know the camaraderie that exists and that means a lot to me to have the support of everyone.”

After the dedication concluded, many in attendance followed the Police and Fire Pipes and Drum Corps in a procession to the site where Neary and Sweeney lost their lives in an effort to save the lives of others. One member of the procession was Councilman Mark Squilla.

“I think the mural is magnificent,” Squilla said. “To have it here in Kensington, in the neighborhood where they are the heroes and to have the likenesses and the faces you see up on that wall, it’s an amazing tribute to both them and the community.”

“That’s what murals do, they treat people as heroes—big and bold like they are in life,” Golden said. “They tap into what makes us human, they connect us all as a city. They say to people, ‘your life counts.’ So let this mural live on a continual source of inspiration as a landmark, as an icon and as a message that says your lives will never be forgotten.”