Pharmacist and commercial counsellor Erik Julin (1796–1874) was a pioneer of firefighting and the founder of the Turku Volunteer Fire Brigade. Designed by Walter Runeberg as early as 1873, the sculpture was installed in Turku’s cityscape 75 years later to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Turku Volunteer Fire Brigade.

In 2012, the work was moved from the busy Julininkulma junction to its current location in front of the Volunteer Fire Brigade building. Runeberg’s work was characterised by a classical style, although his later production acquired more realistic features. The sculptor’s father was J. L. Runeberg, known as Finland’s national poet.