On March 5, RapidDeploy, in partnership with the North Central Texas Emergency Communications District (NCT9-1-1), proudly unveiled a vibrant new mural on the historic Bridgeport Hospital building at 1306 13th Street in Bridgeport, Texas. This mural, a dedication to 911 first responders, was created from the collective artwork of several talented young students from Miss Dickerson’s art class at Bridgeport Middle School. These individual creations, submitted as part of the statewide 2024 National First Responders Day art contest, were thoughtfully combined into a single cohesive work of art that celebrates both the bravery of first responders and the creativity of the local community.
National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28, is a day dedicated to honoring the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of first responders. These brave individuals—firefighters, police officers, telecommunicators, and EMS personnel—are the first to arrive in times of crisis, offering help, reassurance, and life-saving support.
At RapidDeploy, our mission is aligned with the work of these first responders. By designing technology to reduce response times, we strive to make the critical work of first responders as effective and impactful as possible. It was in this spirit that we collaborated with NCT9-1-1 to celebrate National First Responders Day in a unique and meaningful way.
The concept for the mural began with a statewide art contest inviting students K-6th grade across Texas to creatively depict their appreciation for first responders. The theme, "Honoring Our 911 Heroes," encouraged the children to celebrate the bravery and dedication of these individuals through their artwork.
Several thoughtful and creative submissions were received from students in Miss Dickerson’s art class at Bridgeport Middle School. After reviewing the entries, artwork from Audrie Holt, Chinwe Unekwe, Henleigh Abbott, and Kaidence Ford were selected and skillfully combined by our muralist to create a larger cohesive design brought-to-life. This collaborative mural now graces the side of a local building in Bridgeport, where it serves as both a tribute to first responders and a showcase of the incredible creativity and talent of our young local artists.
The dedication ceremony for the mural took place at 5 PM on March 5 and was a wonderful celebration of community spirit, creativity, and gratitude. Local officials, first responders, families, NCT9-1-1, RapidDeploy, and members of the Bridgeport community came together to honor the work of first responders while also celebrating the young artists who made this project possible.
This mural now stands as a lasting testament to the invaluable contributions of first responders while also highlighting the importance of art and creativity in bringing communities together.
The mural in Bridgeport marks an exciting beginning in our efforts to honor first responders through art. We plan to continue this initiative with future projects that celebrate the courage and dedication of 911 professionals while fostering a deeper connection between them and the communities they serve.
