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A Star business owner has decided to donate a painting from Sept. 11 to the fire department. The painting was done by a New York firefighter who recently died.

Fox9 and Today’s 6 On Your Side got an exclusive look at it in October. But, there's just one huge unanswered question: What is the name of the painter?

Carl Stapp and his wife Sarah recently bought the painting at an auction.

"I just think it's an incredible piece, it speaks to me, gave me goosebumps first time I saw it,” said Sarah Stapp.

It's an indelible image, those three firefighters on top of rubble - raising the American flag.
But what makes it really special is who painted it.

"The story behind it was that a New York firefighter had painted the portrait and signed it, and shortly afterwards he passed away due to lung inhalation that he suffered because of his service to 911,” said Carl Stapp.

They decided that more people would get to enjoy the painting if they gave it to the star fire department.

“I think that just the story behind it makes it even better, the guy actually that was at 911 and painted it, and then you know unfortunately passed on just makes it that much more special,” said Star Fire Chief Kevin Courtney.

But because that firefighter died, his name has somehow been lost, and all that’s left is this signature: What looks like an s, and the rest is illegible.

That mystery doesn't change the fact that they love this painting. As much for its meaning, as well as a lasting reminder.

“It'll keep the memory alive, it'll make us never forget,” said Stapp.

The Star Fire Department will display it in their lobby.