I got a call from a guy at Fisher - Price at the end of July, 2001. 
Fisher-Price had some action heroes, The Rescue Heroes. They wanted a mascot of Billy Blazes - the fireman character for the rescue heroes. They were planning a big Rescue Hero event at FAO Schwartz or Toys R Us - I don't quite remember.
We made the mascot and sent it off. It must have been the end of August 2001.
The mascot was very popular ---all of the Rescue Heroes were very popular.
Then the planes flew into the World Trade Center Towers on 9/11.
Billy Blazes became a symbol of faith and hope for young children in 2001.
A popular action figure became a beacon of hope and bravery.
We have never had a mascot experience like the Billy Blazes experience.
It was an honor to make the mascots. It was also a touching moment to work with Fisher-Price.
In working with and creating mascots for companies, organizations and teams, I always get a sense of their true tenderness and goodwill. In working with Fisher-Price in September of 2001, I came to know the soft, beating hearts that are at the core of all great companies.
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| James Beaver making hats |
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My son who is 5 years old loves Rescue Heroes, He especially loves Billy Blazes. Everyday he dresses up as him and says that when he grows up he wants to be a firefighter just like him. I really enjoyed reading this article, and learning that their is other Rescue Heroes fans out there (:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I still have a set of Rescue Hero toys on display at AvantGarb. It was wonderful to learn of your son's enthusiasm for them!
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