Healing Through Action - The Bill Gustin Scholarship Tee

Earlier this year, the American Fire Service lost one of its most influential instructors. The passing of Captain Bill Gustin left a deep scar on anyone who ever had the privilege of learning from him. But for those of us who truly knew him—who worked beside him, argued tactics with him, listened to his stories, and watched him teach—the wound has taken much longer to heal.

Early this summer, I was approached by Kevin Attai, the captain of MDFR Firehouse 2—Bill’s firehouse. Kevin told me that the crews were building a room dedicated to Captain Gustin. A place that would hold his memorabilia, his writings, his helmets, and his spirit. A room designed by the very people who were shaped by him.

He also told me they wanted to start a scholarship fund—a way to send deserving students to the fire academy, young men and women with promise but without the financial means. From that conversation, The Gustin Tee and The Gustin Print were born.

I will tell you plainly: this was the most difficult design I’ve ever attempted. It haunted me every time I sat down to work on it, and yet it became one of the most inspiring projects of my life. I reread his articles and rewatched his interviews. I spoke with his closest friends and colleagues. I searched for that divine spark—where message and art meet—to create something worthy of the man.

By mid-October, the room was finished, and the design was complete. On October 16th, we gathered at Firehouse 2 to unveil both. It was the first time we came together in his honor since the funeral. The mood was still heavy, but something had shifted. Maybe it was because we were in his house. Maybe it was because the people who filled that room had decided that an ending only remains an ending if you let it.

That night, we gave Bill Gustin’s story another chapter. And with the money already raised—and the money still to come—there will be new students of the fire service who will attend the academy in his name for years ahead. Bill was always a student, even as a master teacher. Now, the Old Captain will light the spark in the newest ones.

Always a student.
Always.

If you'd like to be a part of Bill's legacy, you can purchase a shirt or print.  All of the proceeds will benefit the 'Bill Gustin Scholarship Fund' and ensure his legacy continues.