VIDEO: West Point Fire Station Unveils Mural

By: Parker King

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)-

A group of volunteers in West Point devote their time to revitalize their community’s appearance.

One of the ways they do this is by painting murals on otherwise blank buildings.

For the past four years, members of the West Point Main Street Design Committee have designed and painted murals across the city to add some life to the community.

So far, six have been painted since the beginning of this committee, and three are being planned for the upcoming year.

Their latest one was at West Point Fire State number 1.

“Somebody drove by here and said ‘that building is just really boring, that they train on, but it would be a great canvas for your mural,'” said Design Committee Chairperson, Kathy Dyess.

For six weeks spaced out during the summer, volunteers would go to the station as early as 5 a.m. and finish around 10 a.m. before the heat was too much.

Members of the fire department were impressed with their dedication to the project.

“Most of the time, they wouldn’t even… They just wanted us to carry stuff for them, and that was it. They would work out here 3, 4, 5 hours out here in the heat painting on it,” said Chief Ken Wilbourne.

This West Point chapter is one of many across the country that are trying to revitalize communities.

Today, it was about showing appreciation for the fire department.

“…but we’re also very proud of our fire department and our fire chief and all of the brave men that help protect and serve our county. And so we just wanted to bring a little attention to them,” said Dyess.

What started as an unveiling later became a family event for the community.

There were water games with the fire hose for the kids to play with, as well as arts and crafts with a little bit of Halloween candy and costumes.

This nonprofit’s artwork is just another sign of support from the community.

“We’ve always had good local support of the fire department, from the citizens to the City Hall to the Board of Aldermen. We’ve always had great support,” said Wilbourne

This project leaves another building changed for the better because of the efforts of those who care about their city.