Hero sculpture honors first responders in Palm Springs
The City of Palm Springs celebrated the dedication of R. HERO Thursday. The 6-foot-tall red Dalmation sculpture stands in front of the Palm Springs Public Library, a donation from the Hero in You Foundation honoring first responders and their sacrifices.
“It’s a huge honor anytime somebody thanks us for just doing our job. I think the bigger honor is when we recognize the people who came before us, the men and women, the first responders who paid the ultimate sacrifice doing their job,” said firefighter Walter Hays.
“The Palm Springs Public Library is really excited to have R. Hero, the red Dalmation in our library right outside of our children’s room,” said library director Jeannie Hays.
It’s designed by local artists Karen Barone and Tony Barone, their hope is to create a ‘Dalmation nation,’ celebrating heroes and inspiring people to earn their spots.
“Earning your spots means doing a good deed, being kind to your friends and just helping out people around your community,” said Hays.
R. HERO came to life in the wake of tragedies and disasters across the country, recognizing those who serve our communities, keeping humans and animals safe.
You’ll spot the statues at fire and police stations, hospitals and children’s museums.
“Hopefully sparking something in each person to do the right thing when they can and be their own hero, choose the right path and do the right thing,” said Hays.
