When mural artist Norman Roth climbed the wall of the town of Oswego Fire Hall in 2005, a solemn tribute to the heroes of the 9/11 tragedy flowed from his heart to his hands.
The job was personal. Roth is a veteran and a longtime member of the fire department.
"I know the guys in the fire department and that dedication and that concern with people and everyday life," Roth explains. "I just figured these firemen in New York (City) were probably the same kind of people."
The bright symbol of brotherhood he created has greeted members of his crew for more than a decade.
But with age and sunlight, their small piece of history would slowly fade under a chalky film.
"I just thought five months worth of work was out the window," he says. "I hung on scaffolding to do this thing and I'm not that young anymore."