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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Sometimes it’s a simple act of generosity that has the power to make someone feel appreciated. And one Albuquerque man is using his paintbrush to give back to the first responders who once came to his aide.
Walking into 77-year-old Joseph LaForte’s home you would think you walked into a gallery, as colorful paintings line the walls. LaForte has been an artist most of his life and since retiring as a craftsman seven years ago, Laforte’s studio has been the birth place of more and more pieces.
“We’re here in New Mexico, it’s a graveyard, right? It’s got hot air balloons,” said LaForte, pointing to one of his paintings.
After a recent medical scare for LaForte, and an emergency involving his 86-year-old wife, his inspirations shifted towards the first responders who answered the call.
“Recently my wife had fallen and broken her hip and they came right away and they were wonderful,” said LaForte. “And as far as the inspiration, I just felt like, wow, these people do a really beautiful thing.”
So, LaForte created this piece to show his appreciation and gifted it to Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s, Station 12.
“I just felt like honoring them,” said LaForte.
When asked what he was thinking when he gave the station his painting, LaForte said, “I hope they like it.”
With images of firefighters battling flames and rescuing people, Laforte hopes to give back through his work, saying, “It’s really not so much about your work, it’s about what it does to the people, that you hope it affects them in a positive way, that’s all. It’s just a little moment in someone’s life to try to make them feel better about their life, you know, or what they do.”
AFR said in a recent post, the gesture wasn’t necessary, but was appreciated by the stations’ crew. Also sharing, that the painting will hang in the dayroom, to serve as a reminder of the connection between firefighters and the community they serve.
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