South Windsor Burn Victim Keeps On Painting

Photos by SWFD Chief Photographer Roger Hildebrand. Pictured (from left to right): Bruce Wallace, Julio Henriques and Fire Chief Kevin Cooney.

The South Windsor Fire Department was presented with a painting by local artist Julio C. Henriques, who had suffered burns to his hands in a house fire a few months ago, earlier this week.

Fire officials were honored to receive the painting, which they said was “not any painting, but a painting by Mr. Henriques from the image of an FDNY FF Brian Buck of L28 carrying an American Flag days after 9-11.”

The department posted the following message on Facebook:

“The thought behind the gift...a very special Thank You from an artist that suffered a small fire in his home and suffered burns to his hand...his hands that is his life as an artist. Luckily, after his care with Hartford Hospital and the Bridgeport Burn unit, he has recovered and still painting and teaching our young adults what it takes to be an artist.

“A few months ago, A/C Brian Peck and members of the SWFD responded to a small fire in his Watson Farm home. Thanks to the effort of Julio’s neighbor, Mr. Bruce Wallace, members of the SWFD, ASM and the Hospital staffs...all is well now.

“The Department is honored to receive such a heartfelt gift and will display proudly. Thank You Mr. Julio Henriques!!!”