First responders are the backbone of our communities, answering the call in times of crisis and providing help when it’s needed most. To honor their service and sacrifice, NCT9-1-1 and RapidDeploy partnered to launch a special mural project—a public tribute to the heroes behind the headset, badge, and uniform.
The Inspiration Behind the Mural
In celebration of National First Responders Day in 2024, we invited young artists across Texas to express their gratitude through an art contest. The goal? To showcase the creativity of students while recognizing the everyday bravery of firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and 9-1-1 telecommunicators. One of the winning designs came in from Miss Dickerson’s art class at Bridgeport Middle School–we took one of the student’s artworks and combined it with a couple of elements from other students’ drawings.
The chosen artwork for the Bridgeport mural submitted by a Bridgeport Middle School class
This heartfelt design has now been transformed into a permanent mural in Bridgeport, Texas, serving as a lasting reminder of the lifesaving work of first responders.
A Special Dedication in Bridgeport
On March 5, 2025, we gathered for a mural dedication ceremony to celebrate this meaningful tribute. Community members, local officials, and first responders will come together to unveil the artwork, share remarks, and enjoy a ribbon-cutting to mark the occasion. This event is not just about the mural—it’s about honoring the people who protect and serve us every day.
Expanding the Vision: Murals Across Texas
The Bridgeport mural is just the beginning. Our vision is to bring a mural to each of the 14 counties in the NCT9-1-1 service area—creating a network of tributes that remind communities of the essential role first responders play.
Public art has the power to educate, inspire, and unite. By placing murals in different communities, we hope to encourage creativity and community involvement, foster appreciation for first responders, and create landmarks that symbolize emergency response and safety.
Looking to the Future
This mural project is more than paint on a wall—it’s a symbol of gratitude, recognition, and resilience. As we continue to grow this initiative, we hope it serves as a reminder that first responders are always there, answering every 9-1-1 call with courage and dedication.
If you’re interested in getting involved, sponsoring a mural, or learning more about future locations, stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels.
To every first responder, student artist, and community partner who helped bring this vision to life—thank you. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.