Firefighters From 9-11 Attacks Honored In New Painting
AFAS Artist William Motta to Unveil Painting on President’s Day

Los Angeles – February 8, 2002 – Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) Artist William A. Motta will present his original painting at the Fire Department of New York, Brooklyn Firehouse 252 on February 18, 2002 at 10 AM. The painting honors the six firefighters from this 106-year-old firehouse who lost their lives in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11. Motta has created the memorial painting to hang in the firehouse. He will also generate posters, with profits from sales to benefit the families of the lost firefighters. The idea originated from Los Angeles Fire Captain Gary Walsh in his visit to New York.

Captain Walsh, along with four other Los Angeles County firefighters, traveled to New York immediately after the terrorist attacks on September 11 to assist their brother firefighters. Using their own vacation time and money, they arrived at Firehouse 252 unsure of how they might be received. Instead of finding a group of men battered and down, they found a tremendous spirit of duty and honor, determined to recover their lost brothers.

Like true brothers, the men of Firehouse 252 welcomed Captain Walsh’s group. They insisted that Captain Walsh’s group stay at the firehouse and help them at the World Trade Center site in recovering those lost. It was considered quite an honor.

In the FDNY, a Rescue Squad is a six-men unit, highly trained and specialized to affect the rescue of trapped persons and fellow firefighters from the most hazardous of situations. During the calamity on September 11, Squad 252 responded to a “Mayday” from another Rescue Squad (Rescue #1), which was trapped in the upper floors of World Trade Center Building #1.

With complete disregard for their own safety, and knowing that World Trade Center Building #2 had already collapsed, the crew of Squad 252 quickly ascended the stairwell to help their fellow firefighters. Shortly thereafter Building #1 collapsed. As of this date, only the bodies of two of these six have been recovered.

In his recent State of the Union Address, President Bush stated that we should never forget those who gave their lives in this war on terrorism. William K. Maxwell and his wife, Patricia Rich, of Maxwell & Co. CPAs Inc., sought to find a unique and lasting tribute to the men of Firehouse 252. They asked Mr. Motta to volunteer his artistic talents to commemorate this event. Mr. Motta immediately accepted this challenge to create something special not only for the firehouse, but also for the families as well. Maxwell & Co. agreed to underwrite the expenses associated with transportation and presentation of the painting.

“After the attacks on the World Trade Center, we wanted to find a way to help the families,” noted Ms. Rich. “After hearing the touching story of Firehouse 252 from my friend, Gary Walsh, we thought this might be an everlasting tribute. In the celebration of President’s Day, Gary, Bill Motta and I will bring our families to present the painting to the families and the men of Firehouse 252.”

The 48” x 30” acrylic on canvas painting features the fire engine and the six firemen in front of their station. Mr. Motta placed individual portraits of the men inscribed with their names below the painting. In a unique President’s Day celebration at Station 252 in New York, Mr. Motta, Mr. Walsh, and Ms. Rich will present the painting as well as posters. These posters will be available for sale to aid the families. Lithocraft in Anaheim, California, has volunteered their services for the production of the posters.

“I almost feel that I knew them after looking at their photos and thinking about their bravery for the last four months,” said Bill Motta. “I hope this painting will help us all remember them and their heroic last call.”

As a founding member of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, Mr. Motta continues to work with artists around the world to elevate the quality of automotive art and further promote its appreciation. He recently retired from Road & Track after over forty years as the Art Director, and later the Art Editor. Mr. Motta continues to contribute artwork and works as an independent consultant for the magazine.

Over 850 of his paintings hang in both private and corporate collections around the world including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Subaru. Mr. Motta is a native of California and a graduate of the Art Center College of Design. He resides in Newport Beach, California with his wife, Margit.

AFAS was established in 1983 by a group of artists who are acknowledged by critics to be among the best in their field. Members work in many diverse mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, clay and metal. AFAS participants in select shows across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

Courtesy of TimePiece Public Relations • 3110 Webb • Suite 200 • Dallas, TX • 75205

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