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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Tuesday, as Coloradans looked back and remembered those first responders who lost their lives saving others on September 11, 2001, we were also reminded of our local heroes who worked tirelessly to save lives and homes during the Waldo Canyon Fire.

It has only been three months since the fire moved into Colorado Springs.

In that time, the clean-up and rebuilding process has ramped up, and in many neighborhoods the remnants of the fire have been cleared away, including many of the homemade "Thank You" signs.

In an effort to keep those fading memories alive, a Colorado Springs man and his family have put together a new book titled "Signs of Hope."

"We were evacuated ten or 11 days like all of Peregrine, and a good portion of the western side," Author Jake Martens said.

Martens said when he and his family returned to their home, they were shocked to see just how close the wildfire came to their front door.

"Like others around here we made some 'Thank You' signs following the fire, and then one day to the next a sign would blow away or get damaged or fade out," Martens said. "So we though 'We do no want to lose that part of the story.'"

So Jake Martens and his family began taking pictures of those signs and banners, some of which were drawn on cardboard, spray painted on fences and scribbled on posters.

"We really wanted to focus not just on the signs that were professionally done, but those that balanced creativity," Martens said. "We wanted to include not just the firefighters, but also law enforcement, city officials, volunteers and the forest service."

With the help of several generous organizations and individuals, the Martenses published their photos cost free.

"Every penny of the suggested $30 donation goes to the Waldo Canyon Fire Fighters Fund," Martens said.

Along with helping out charity, Martens said he hopes the book promotes healing, and acts as a reminder of the fire and what followed.

"I hope that ten or 15 years from now not this book, but the images in it are as much a part of our history as the fire coming into the city," he said.

If you would like a copy of "Signs of Hope," you can pick one up at select Walgreens, Current Factory Outlet, Chefs Catalog and Friends Coffee and Espresso.