Honoring History Through Art: Downtown Mural #2 - Brandon Fire Department
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proud to announce an exciting new public art initiative in collaboration with the Brandon Fire Department. This vibrant mural project is not just a celebration of artistic expression—it’s a powerful tribute to our community’s rich history and the brave individuals who have served as its protectors.
Led by Ortonville DDA representative Courtney McClerran and Brandon Fire Chief David Kwapis, this joint effort has been two years in the making and is now coming to life with help from talented artists and passionate community members.
A Timeline of Service: Art That Tells a Story
The mural, currently being painted on the side of the Brandon Fire Department building, is a visual journey through nearly 100 years of firefighting history in Ortonville. Featuring iconic fire trucks from different eras—including the historic red 1929 Model AA Ford, the first piece of motorized firefighting equipment used in Ortonville—the design captures the evolution of emergency response in our village and township.
"It’s important to show that, on the side of the building, the mural is going to display almost 100 years of history for the Brandon Fire Department and Ortonville,” said Chief Kwapis. “When we are talking about the history of Ortonville, I think this really adds to remembering Ortonville’s past, present, and future.”
The subject matter for the mural was thoughtfully selected by Chief Kwapis and his team, ensuring each image reflects a meaningful piece of local history.
The Artists Behind the Brush
Renowned muralist Kevin Burdick, who created Ortonville’s very first mural, returns to the village for this special project. Known for his attention to detail and deep respect for historical accuracy, Kevin is a natural fit to bring this tribute to life.
Joining him is John Vasquez, a Saginaw native whose unique artistic journey began with graffiti art and evolved into full-scale murals that capture imagination and history alike. “I did not think graffiti was going to be a career pathway, but it did,” said Vasquez. “It’s not about fame—it’s about the art, about expression.”
With Vasquez’s dynamic spray-can technique and Burdick’s traditional mural expertise, the pair bring a powerful contrast of styles that harmoniously blend past and present—much like the mural itself.
A Community Collaboration with a Vision
This mural marks a key milestone in the early phases of Ortonville’s Downtown Art Plan—an initiative by the DDA and the Village to develop a long-term strategy for murals, public art, and creative placemaking throughout downtown.
“We’ve worked hand in hand with Chief Kwapis since we selected the mural’s location two years ago,” said Courtney McClerran. “Our goal is to bring thoughtful public art into the heart of downtown while honoring the stories that have shaped our community.”
The mural is more than paint on a wall—it’s a bold step forward in preserving Ortonville’s history through creativity and public engagement.
Stop By and See It Come to Life
As work on the mural continues, we invite the community to stop by the Brandon Fire Department and watch the progress unfold. It’s a project that belongs to all of us—a symbol of service, legacy, and the power of collaboration.
Be sure to follow along on our social media for updates and a look behind the scenes.
