By John Tufts
San Angelo Standard-Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — With its windows smashed and lights broken, a vintage firetruck honoring San Angelo’s firefighters was the second mosaic structure created by Art in Uncommon Places to be damaged this month.
Vandals removed the majority of windows from the firetruck and then broke them on the ground, according to a statement on Art in Uncommon Places’ website.
The gas caps of the firetruck were also reportedly stolen.
“We were alerted (of the vandalism) Tuesday morning,” said Joy Thomas, co-founder of Art in Uncommon Places.
Because of limited staffing, Art in Uncommon Places is unable to make regular checks on statues created for the city.
“We’re aware that at any time we put up an art piece, it may be subject to an act of vandalism,” said Thomas, who added that the city is responsible for keeping the art safe.
“Normally, we’re alerted by city employees or citizens in San Angelo who happen to be walking by.”
The city has removed the broken glass and put up orange safety mesh around the statue. The windows of the firetruck will not be replaced, according to Art in Uncommon Places.
The firetruck statue was installed at Firefighter’s Memorial Park in February.
The retired truck was driven by Fire Chief Alvin “Tom” Biggs of the San Angelo Fire Department from 1941-64. “The truck carries a plaque dedicated to him, but the piece is meant to honor all area firefighters,” said Julie Raymond, co-founder of Art in Uncommon Places.
The tile was placed on the truck by 30 people, rotating every two hours, and took three days to complete.
“We’re just so excited to be able to do something to add beauty to the park as well as honor those that have fought for our city,” Raymond said in February.
“Many of the people who helped place the tiny pieces were firefighters,” Raymond said.
This isn’t the first time Art in Uncommon Places has dealt with damage to art created for the city.
Raymond said a similar incident happened to the Volkswagen piece under the Oakes Street bridge by San Angelo’s Visitors Center two years ago.
“The red bird cage on the Red Arroyo trail was damaged a year ago when children climbed on top of it,” Raymond said.
Raymond said although the sculptures are gifts to the city, Art in Uncommon Places often assumes the financial burden of restoring the pieces damaged by acts of vandalism.
“These pieces are paid for by private donations and grants,” Raymond said, and it’s difficult to repair them quickly because of limited staffing.
Raymond said anyone who would like to assist with repairs can make a donation to Art in Uncommon Places on its website, artinuncommonplaces.org/donate.
Copyright 2017 San Angelo Standard-Times