Some jewelry designs are inspired by nature. Others come from experiences that are much harder to put into words. My Hawk Tribute Copper Cuff Bracelet was born from a heartbreaking day in June 2026, when we learned that three wildland firefighters had lost their lives on Colorado’s Knowles Fire. The events of that day, and a photograph I took that evening, became the inspiration for this tribute.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
On June 27, 2026, three wildland firefighters lost their lives while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado. That evening, I stood beneath a smoke-filled sky glowing deep red from the setting sun. A hawk perched high in the treetops, calling out again and again. I couldn’t help but feel that it, too, was grieving. I took a photograph of the scene, struck by the contrast between its beauty and the sadness of the day. The image captured something I couldn’t quite put into words, and it seemed to reflect the grief being felt throughout the wildland fire community.
A Personal Connection to the Fireline
Before becoming a full-time metalsmith, I spent six seasons as a wildland firefighter, including four years on a Helitack crew. I remember the long days, the difficult conditions, and the friendships that develop when you work alongside people whose lives depend on one another. There’s a level of trust and camaraderie on a fire crew that’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it.
When a wildland firefighter loses their life, the loss reaches far beyond their immediate family and crew. It’s felt throughout the entire wildland fire community. The three firefighters who died that June day were Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson. Nearly a month later, Nathan Matthews also passed away from injuries sustained in the same incident. Four lives were lost on one fire, and sadly, they were not the only wildland firefighters we lost during the 2026 fire season.
Turning a Photograph Into a Tribute
After sharing my photograph, a friend suggested I turn it into a bracelet design. I liked the idea, and it sparked another one. I could create a bracelet to honor our fallen wildland firefighters while giving back to the community by donating half of each bracelet’s purchase price to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
Using the photograph as inspiration, I created the artwork for my Hawk Tribute Copper Cuff Bracelet and acid-etched the design into solid copper. While I love how the design came together, what matters most to me is the story behind it and the people it honors.
Giving Back to the Wildland Fire Community
The 2026 fire season has been especially difficult, with far too many lives lost and families left grieving. Having been part of the wildland fire community myself, I wanted to do something to support those affected by these tragedies. Creating this bracelet gave me a way to combine my love of metalsmithing with my respect for the people who dedicate their lives to fighting wildfires.
With every Hawk Tribute Copper Cuff Bracelet purchased, I’ll donate 50% of the purchase price to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. The Foundation provides assistance to injured wildland firefighters and their families, as well as families of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s an organization whose work is especially meaningful to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute through something I’ve created.
For Those Who Never Made It Home
Behind every fallen firefighter is a family, a crew, friends, and a life that mattered. The losses of this fire season are a painful reminder of the dangers wildland firefighters face and the sacrifices made by those who answer the call.
My hope is that this bracelet honors their courage and service while helping support the families and fellow firefighters left behind. What began as a photograph of a red sky and the haunting call of a hawk has become my way of remembering those we’ve lost.
For those who never made it home. We remember.
You can find my Hawk Tribute Copper Cuff Bracelet in my online shop. To learn more about the important work of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, please visit wffoundation.org.