We are looking to raise funds for the iconic Horse and Fireman statue that has resided outside of Craft Company No. 6 for more than 40 years. The statues pay homage to the horse-drawn fire wagon of the late 1800s. Chubby was a famous white Percheron fire horse in Rochester, NY, and the city's last fire horse. He served with Engine Company No. 6 on University Avenue, becoming a beloved local mascot before retiring in 1926 when the department switched to motorized engines. When the Rochester Fire Department transitioned from horse-drawn to motorized fire engines, Chubby was retired in 1926.

The fireman had just been renovated in 2020-2021, so it was devastating to see damage from recent vandalism that happened when the fireman was knocked down by someone climbing on him or the horse. The damage needs to be repaired to protect it from the elements going forward. Chubby is in need of major repairs to keep him from collapsing, as the weather and other outside forces have caused damage over the years. Chubby needs a new coat of paint and repairs to his legs to ensure he remains standing for another 40 years. The artist that has been commissioned to repair both has estimated that the cost to repair would be between $4,000-$5,000 for each statue, and there are other costs associated, such as heavy equipment to lift and place, as well as to have a new base poured to make it more secure.

This is such a local part of Rochester history that needs to be restored for future visitors to enjoy.