Title: Circle of Honor
Artist: Michael Clapper
Type: Sculpture
Material: Stainless-steel, glass
Location: Fire Station 3
Year: 2025
Michael Clapper (Denver, CO) was selected to create a site-specific, tribute public artwork for the new Fire Station 3 to narrate dignity and respect to all who dedicate their lives to public service.
The tribute acknowledges two Boulder firefighters, William Duran and Scott Smith, that gave their lives while on duty. Titled “Circle of Honor,” the form of the piece is a stainless-steel I-beam. The circle alludes to the strength of Boulder’s family of first responders, and perforations that penetrate the web of the I-beam are in the shape of Maltese Crosses (the international symbol of the firefighter). Suspended within the circle are two medallions made from stainless-steel and thick, red glass elements. They are illuminated from the sun and meant to represent the souls of the fallen.