"After visiting new york and ground zero after 9-11 with my father who is also a firefighter. I knew I wanted to get a tattoo that would not only remind me of that tragic day but also a tattoo that would remind me everyday how lucky I am to be a second generation fire fighter.

I called my best friend brent to help me out. We spent three weeks designing it trying to get it just right. I wanted a tribal cross with a shamrock in the middle and a banner on the bottom with my fathers hire date as well as mine.

  I also wanted the iaff in it to let everyone know that I am a proud member of the worlds best association. After finishing the drawing I knew that Ii wanted someone I trusted to ink it on. I called Dan Koch of the ink stop in east Peoria ill to do it. Dan had done three of my other tats so I knew he would do a great job.

It took 5 1/2 hours to complete, but it will be with me forever. Everyday I wake up and look in the mirror I am reminded of the brothers I lost that day, and how lucky I am to be a fire fighter. I wanted to send it in for all my fellow brothers to see and let them know that I will never forget the 343 brothers that perished that day."

Chris Dunne
EPFD Local 1498