City of Akron and Akron Post Office Honor First Responders With Special Stamp Dedication

City of Akron Press Release
Published: 10-10-2018

Akron, Ohio, October 10, 2018 – Today, a special dedication of the First Responders Forever® stamp took place at the Akron-Summit County Public Library in downtown Akron. Representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, Mayor Horrigan, and Chiefs Ball and Tucker from the Akron Police and Fire Departments spoke about the importance of taking time to honor our first responders across the nation.

U.S.P.S. Cleveland Postmaster, Rose Spraggins, stated, “With this stamp, the U.S. Postal Service recognizes these brave men and women — including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical service professionals — who respond to critical situations with skill, dedication, and unfailing bravery. From tiny townships to the federal government, from air marshals and transit police, to park rangers and fish and game wardens, first responders include a wide range of law enforcement professionals and public safety personnel. Today we honor all of them, and simply say, thank you.”

The digital illustration on the stamp is a symbolic scene that shows three first responders in profile, facing right, as they race into action.   First is a firefighter carrying an axe, second is an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) worker with an emergency bag, and third is a law-enforcement officer shining a flashlight. The dark background and signs of smoke around the figures suggest the wide range of situations that demand the immediate attention of a first responder.

Mayor Horrigan added, “This simple yet poignant illustration is a reminder that our first responders turn and rush towards danger, and towards the unknown, every single day. It is important that we take time to reflect on and show appreciation for their service.”

Artist Brian Stauffer worked with art director and designer Antonio Alcalá and designer Ricky Altizer to create the stamp. Stauffer has been a contributing artist to the New York Times, Time magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone and more than 300 other publications worldwide. His illustrations bridge both the traditional and digital realms and are best known for their conceptual take on social issues.

For further information, contact:
Annie McFadden
Deputy Chief of Staff
Phone: 330/375-2754
E-mail: p[email protected]