It all started in 2004. A local artist named Rosie Tos stopped by her local fire station (LAFD Station 63) in Venice. The mural specialist sparked a conversation with one of the captains on duty, who shared that their annual inspection was approaching. He explained the outside bench was in too poor of shape to pass.

Once Tos heard this, she immediately offered her creative services, bringing the bench "back to life." Little did she know that this one small project would lead to a prolific career in the fire community spanning throughout the country. 

Following the completion of the bench, word traveled quickly within the LAFD of Tos' talent, attention to detail, and competitive pricing. It was not long before stations all over the city were reaching out. But what makes her artwork so unique? Tos understands that each station has its history and personality, just like the community it serves. Before every project, Tos collaborates with the station members to ensure that she incorporates the characteristic details that reflect the station's uniqueness.

"I know I will never become rich doing this… [but] I love to see their faces when the artwork is completed, and I love that they trust me with the design," expressed Tos.

Inspired by the nature of the fire service, Tos is committed to continuing to help enhance a station's appearance while simultaneously instilling a community's pride in its members.
 
Tos' artwork can be found in fire stations from coast to coast, such as the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), and New York Fire Department (FDNY). Tos shares, "It is a blessing to have other departments contacting me too, but LAFD will always be the one I enjoy working with the most."
 
Tos has painted more than 55 LAFD works of art over the past 15 years. More recently, she has learned graphic design and has started designing custom station logos and fun caricatures of firefighters, all of which is on display on her Instagram @Tostos1.