Sparky Statue Dedication
Today, March 14, was the dedication of the statue "Sparky the Fire Dog" created by Denise Rinkovsky.
This statue was commissioned in honor of Fire Chief Philip Clover's years of dedicated public service and commitment to fire safety education. It now stands in the Convention Hall Plaza (north side) near the entrance, 301 S. Independence.
Fire Marshal Ken Helms said the statue depicts Clover dressed in the department’s Sparky the Fire Dog costume with a little girl, modeled after one of Clover’s granddaughters. Clover died of a heart attack Oct. 23, 2011.
The location of the statue was chosen because it is close to the location of the original fire station on Independence. When you see the statue you'll notice that Sparky is looking directly at the spot where Fire Station #1 stood. Not only that, but Clover had a great fondness for Convention Hall.
The ceremony included many dignitaries, firemen and citizens from Enid. Several people spoke including Clover's adult children. They told about the enjoyment Chief Clover got when he wore the Sparky outfit and how much he liked to educate the children.
The unveiling was followed by a balloon release by family members and a short fireworks display from the rooftop of Convention Hall.
The pictures below show the installation of the statue.
