William Schnaekel

Country: United States

Fire Dept: Fairfax County

State: Virginia

Years on job: 8

Rank: Firefighter (private)

Description: I am a fifth generation firefighter, having 8 other relatives in the fire service since 1898. One of my childhood dreams was to work with my father. However, my father retired as a Lt. from the Erie F.D. in July of 1998, than I was hired in Fairfax, Va. in September of that same year. So naturally , I didn't think it could happen. But thanks to the Leo Fire Co. in Red Lion, Pa., it was made possible.

We were invited to their burn at a fixed facility in York the summer of 2004. This tattoo was made from a photograph of my father and me as we looked out one of the windows in the burn building. While my father is alive and well, I wanted a way to show him and rest of the world how proud I am, not only of our friendship, but of our family heritage and this great fire service to which we all belong!

Tattoo Location: right forearm

Year Inked: 2005

Studio: Knightvision Tattoo, West York, Pa.

Artist: Brian Knight