BELLE — A new mural inside the Belle Police Department has become a point of pride for officers, but for the family behind the artwork, the project carries a deeper meaning.

According to Raeanna Butler, the idea for the mural began when her mother, Tammy Coborn, noticed the police station was in need of attention.

“The paint was peeling and flaking, and Mom and Jerry (Coborn) thought it would look really nice to have a mural there when you walked through the doors,” Butler said. “They also wanted it to tie in with the school and community.”

Jerry Coborn created several possible designs digitally before the family settled on the final version, which features Belle’s mascot in a realistic, three-dimensional style.

“I really wanted it to look 3D and realistic at the same time as looking like a mascot so I did a lot of extra detailing in the eyes and the mouth and nose,” Butler said.

The mural took several months to complete, longer than originally expected due to serious medical complications involving Butler’s daughter, Arizona.

“The mural took a couple of months to complete, longer than we originally anticipated because of Arizona’s medical issues,” Butler said. “Thankfully, she is doing well now after Mom discovered she had FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome). During such a difficult time, this project became even more meaningful to us.”

The city purchased the paint while Butler and her mother volunteered their time to create the mural.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Butler.

“Jerry shared the mural on the police department page, and everyone has said such kind and encouraging things,” she said. “We truly have a wonderful community here in Belle.”

Beyond its visual impact, Butler said the mural also represents her personal connection to Belle and Belle High School.

“Moving from a Kansas City school to Belle High was one of the most beneficial changes for me growing up and I loved the school spirit,” Butler said. “I loved the people in this town. It feels much more like a family in this town than in the city I grew up in.”

She said the mural’s mascot imagery brings back memories of her school years and reflects the pride she feels for the community.

“The mural of our mascot means a lot to me,” Butler said.

For Butler and her family, however, the mural ultimately symbolizes something even more personal.

“This mural means a lot to our family,” she said. “It is extra special to us because it will forever remind us of the time God saved our baby’s life. Every time we see it, we are reminded of strength, faith, community, and how blessed we are to still have her here with us.”

Butler said she hopes the project may also open the door to future opportunities in mural art.