Eric McGehearty has created a compelling tribute to the Fort Worth Fire Department in his first public artwork, United We Stand, a two-part installation comprised of sculpture and graphics. Traditionally known as "three-quarter boots", the artist uses twelve pairs of the classic uniform boot to honor the station's service to community and to reference the station's deep connection to the department's valiant legacy. Deliberately positioned in a grid pattern on a 13' x 13.5’ concrete pad that stands 18" high, the boots are cast in bronze and paginated in a realistic manner. Molded from two pair of worn boots, they are same sized and rigid in their consistency; they represent unanimity. As a group they signify preparedness and solidarity. But in the details, as each cast pair is marked by unique imperfections, the artist admires the individual. The sculpture is sited in the front lawn of the station facing the direction that fire engines take to answer a call. Fire station #8 is a new building that incorporates a tower in the architecture design. In addition to the sculpture installation, McGehearty uses text on window film displaying the words Courage, Duty, Honor and Vigilance on the station's four tower windows. Visible from each side of the tower by day and illuminated at night, they are strong reminders of the station's commitment to the community. McGehearty frequently uses text in his studio work to explore themes of coding systems. His sculptural works poignantly describe the challenges of accessing written communication and also address issues of censorship and educational prejudice.