VIDEO: 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.

KRQE-TV CBS/FOX 13 Albuquerque

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PHOTOS: Firefighters are investigating how a factory exploded into flames early Sunday morning in Weirsdale.

Marion County Fire Rescue responded early this morning to a reported commercial structure fire in the 16600 block of S. Highway 25 after multiple 911 callers reported a large factory building on fire.

Crews were dispatched at 4:02 a.m., and Engine 27 arrived on scene three minutes later to find a 25,000-square-foot, two-story commercial building with about 50% of the structure involved and flames showing through the roof.

Firefighters immediately began an offensive attack while additional resources were requested, escalating the incident to a third alarm. As conditions worsened, crews encountered a structural collapse, downed power lines and a violently behaving fire.

Priorities shifted to protecting nearby homes, adjacent commercial properties, and surrounding wooded areas, firefighters say.

According to MCFR, the fire grew so large that backup units were brought in from Silver Springs, Spruce Creek, Friendship, Rolling Green and The Villages.

The fire was brought under control at 5:04 a.m, an hour after the first alarm. Crews remained on scene afterward to conduct an overhaul and extinguish hot spots.

WESH-TV NBC 2 Orlando

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A homeowner safely escaped a house fire Sunday morning with the help of nearby residents before firefighters arrived, according to the West Thurston Regional Fire Authority. Crews were dispatched around 8 a.m. to a residential fire near Endicott Road SW. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke pouring from the eaves and flames breaking through the roof.

Firefighters searched the home to make sure no one was inside before launching an aggressive attack on the fire. The fire was brought under control quickly, and crews remained at the scene to extinguish lingering hot spots. Officials credited neighbors with helping the homeowner evacuate safely before emergency crews arrived. No injuries were reported.

The homeowner was displaced by the fire, and the American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance. Two cats were also displaced. Firefighters from the Tumwater Fire Department, East Olympia Fire District and McLane Black Lake Fire Department assisted with the response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

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Benton County Fire District 1 responded to a fifth wheel trailer fire in Finley Saturday night. Crews went to the 208000 block of E. Bowles Road after the first report said a hay stack was burning. Firefighters later learned the fifth wheel was also involved. One adult and one juvenile got out safely from the fifth wheel, according to Benton County Fire District 1. The fifth wheel is a total loss. A nearby shed also sustained outside damage.

KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima

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For fire department operations, 4-cycle engines run electric generators, hydraulic/pneumatic power tool pumps, compressors, and water pumps.

The post Keep Your 4-Cycle Engine Running appeared first on Fire Apparatus: Fire trucks, fire engines, emergency vehicles, and firefighting equipment.