Firefighting Bears

WINSTED — Wanting to be a part of the bear craze sweeping Litchfield County, full-time Torrington firefighter and part-time painter Ed Derwitsch submitted four designs for the widely publicized Bear Affair. Within two days of submission, David Sartirana, owner of Realty Executives Northwest and Winsted deputy fire chief, chose his firefighter bear design.

“My wife, Fran talked me into that [design],� Dewitsch said. “Because I am a firefighter, I didn’t want to do a firefighter bear.� But Sartirana loved the idea. After seeing the finished product, Sartirana decided he would purchase the bear instead of letting it go to auction on Nov. 10.

A fundraiser supported by local businesses and artists, the Bear Affair project is gaining much attention. A total of 77 bears, ranging in size from a few feet tall to a life-size grizzly, were sponsored. Sponsorship, which covers the cost of the bear itself and the artist’s pay, costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Sponsors are then given the opportunity to purchase their bear, again with a price range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the size of the sculpture.

With a degree from Northwestern Connecticut Community College in graphic design, Derwitsch has designed many murals throughout the county. One of the biggest projects he took on was at the Goshen Wildlife Farm.

“I have done portraits of animals and people. I’ve done a lot of wildlife portraits,� said Derwitsch.

Completed in 54 hours, “The American Hero� fire-fighting bear is one of two that Derwitsch designed for Bear Affair. His other creation is a dancing bear, located in front of the Primetime House in Torrington.

While he didn’t specify a favorite, Derwitsch was obviously pleased with his fire-fighting bear.

“We got attached to this little guy when we were doing it,� he said. “We put him on our deck.� Having enjoyed the company of the bear while the family entertained in the pool over the summer, Derwitsch seemed sad to see it go.

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