Some commissions are about decorating a space.
And then there are the ones that carry the weight of something much bigger — grief, honor, brotherhood, and the kind of love that doesn't fade with time.
This was one of those.
What Was Black Sunday
January 23, 2005 is a date the FDNY will never forget.
Known as Black Sunday, it was the day four New York City firefighters lost their lives in two separate fires — two at a tenement fire in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx, and one at a house fire in the East New York section of Brooklyn. Four others were seriously injured that day, one of whom later died from his injuries.
It was the deadliest day for the FDNY since September 11, 2001 — and the first time since 1918 that firefighters had died at two separate incidents on the same day.
For those who were there, that day never left them.
The Commission
Years later, one of the survivors reached out to me with a vision he had carried for a long time. He wanted a memorial drawing that honored the four firefighters lost that day — depicted in front of Heaven's Gates — with the three survivors looking on.
He knew exactly what he wanted. He just needed someone who could bring it to life.
Being both a firefighter and an artist, I understood the weight of what he was asking. I understood the brotherhood. I understood what it means to lose someone on the job — and what it means to carry that with you.
I said yes.
The Drawing
The original piece is 16" x 24", graphite on Strathmore grey toned paper. I worked from reference photos of each firefighter to capture not just their likeness, but their presence — the person behind the portrait.
Reference photos alongside the drawing...
The original now hangs framed in Jeff's office. Prints have been made for the survivors, family members, and one holds a permanent place at the FDNY Training Academy — also known as the Rock.
I can't think of a more meaningful place for it to live.
What This Work Means to Me
Being a firefighter and an artist makes memorial work like this both deeply difficult and deeply rewarding. You feel the responsibility of it in a way that's hard to put into words. You want to get it right — not just technically, but emotionally. You want the people who loved these men to look at it and feel something true.
I am so honored that Jeff trusted me with his vision. And I am so grateful that this piece exists — not just as art, but as a permanent reminder that these men mattered, that they are remembered, and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
343 and counting. Never forget. 🙏
[Learn more about Black Sunday and the FDNY here — fireengineering.com]
XO, Kris
If you are interested in a memorial commission of your own, I'd be honored to talk. Fill out this form [Custom Commissions] or reach out at kris@krisartworks.com
