New sculpture celebrates spirit of firefighters, evokes memories

Bert Eymberts was always a practical joker.

But at a dedication ceremony yesterday for "A Helping Hand," a bronze sculpture memorializing the spirit of Redmond firefighters, Robin Eymberts had to hold back tears as the statue was unveiled. The artwork depicts her husband, a longtime firefighter who died in 2002.

"He always had a mischievous grin," Robin Eymberts said, recalling her late husband's sense of humor. "The fact that (the statue) is being dedicated on April Fool's Day seems like it's the perfect day to do so."

The bronze piece, depicting Eymberts bent on one knee and offering his hand, sits in a plaza in front of the Redmond Fire Department headquarters, at Northeast 85th Street and 161st Avenue Northeast.

The statue is meant to honor all firefighters, not just Eymberts, but family members and past coworkers couldn't helping thinking of him at the dedication.

"We didn't want to use the current image of a firefighter. But we wanted someone who brought honor and respect to the profession. And one name that came up was Bert," said Redmond Deputy Fire Chief Andy Hail.

The sculpture, part of the Redmond Fire Department headquarters remodel project, was commissioned by Redmond's Arts Commission, with money coming from the city's One Percent for Art Program. The city's Parks and Recreation Department provided the funds for the plaza, which was designed for Redmond citizens to use for ceremonies.

Judy Phipps, who created the sculpture, said she has a soft spot in her heart for firefighters.

"I'm not sure why I'm so emotional, probably because (the work) is based on a real person," said Phipps, fighting back tears.

Eymberts, who spent more than 20 years as a firefighter, died after a four-year struggle with Huntington's disease. After his passing, his wife spent time with Phipps to help her with finishing touches to the sculpture. Phipps added a small scar above an eyebrow and made sure his grin was in place.

Phipps said she wanted people to go up to the piece and touch it. The statue sits on a pedestal with circular steps below it.

"We wanted people to have a place to come, sit and reflect," Hail said of the plaza. "(Bert) was an incredibly gregarious, outgoing person. Kids were also drawn to his personality."

After the unveiling, several kids already were climbing around the statue.

"It seems like he's definitely here," Hail said.

Levi J. Long: 206-464-2061 or levilong@seattletimes.com