9/11 & Billy Blazes

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.

James Beaver making hats

One Handsome, Trustworty Mascot

Billy Blazes was a big toy for Fisher-Price in 2001. Fisher-Price ordered one, and then about 2 weeks later ordered 6 more.

Billy Blazes was a well put together mascot - great hat, great body, jacket - and oh my goodness, look at the shoes!!!...and the face, kind, trustworthy and handsome. No wonder the toy was such a hit!

He was one of the Rescue Heroes. A marvelous team of toys.

It was exciting to be making Billy Blazes. He is a fireman. We were actually in production making him on 9/11. What a great toy to give comfort to children.