North Net Training Center, located at 2400 E. Orangewood Ave. , received an award for a five-story 911 memorial mural on the center’s burn tower. This vibrantly colorful mural can be seen from the 57 freeway and Santa Ana river trail reminding us all of the bravery of our first responders. Artist Thomas Comer designed the work which was installed by ICU Print / ICU Wrap, a company specializing in vinyl appliqués on interior and exterior surfaces.

The idea for mural came from an interior mural that was initially commissioned by North Net Training Authority. The work was done by artist Thomas Comer. When the decision was made to consider a vinyl appliqué on the exterior wall of the five story burn town, IPU/Wrap owner Giovanni Rodriguez stepped up to the challenge.

“Twenty years ago, my goal was to become a firefighter and life took me on a different course,” said Rodriquez. “So when this opportunity came up to salute our nation’s first responders, especially those who lost their lives in the 9-11 tragedy, I was ready to get it done.”

Rodriquez and his daughter Janine, who is learning the trade from her father, completed the installation in 11 days. This was the largest and highest project they had done and brought several challenges including the height and adhering the vinyl to concrete. The result was spectacular and will be a landmark for the training center and the City of Anaheim.