Each year I try to think of some way special
to thank the Alabaster Fire & Rescue Service for all they have done and continue to do for Joey and our family.
While looking for ideas on the internet a few months ago I came across the name of an artist, Teri Forero, http://www.tforero.com/ , who does the most amazing paintings of firefighters in various settings. We talked on the phone and I shared
Joey's story with her. She was moved by Joey's relationship with the Alabaster Fire Department and by the end of our
conversation she told me she wanted to do a painting of Joey. I sent her some photographs of Joey and she put her
incredible talents to work. The result is the painting you see above.
Jamada, Vern, Sean, ?, Chief Frank Matherson, ?
Sitting: Sweet Pea, Josh, Joey & Lt. Burton
I presented the painting to the Alabaster Fire & Rescue Service a few weeks ago and it was hard to hold back the
tears. Our local newspaper covered this special moment - you can read about it at:
Joey smiled, as if on cue, when he saw the
painting, and smiled even bigger when the photographers began to take pictures. It was a special morning and the painting
is now on display at Station #2.
August 5, 2009
Joey gets an end of Summer "buzz" from FF Josh before school begins...
September 2008
Lt. Burton & FF Joey
Click On The Logos Below
To See Stories On Alabaster's
Youngest Fireman...
December 24, 2007
Just as we finished dinner on Christmas Eve, we noticed flashing lights in front of our home and
then the sounds of Christmas music filled our cul-de-sac.....It was the Alabaster Fire Department bringing Santa to see
Joey. What a wonderful surprise! Each year the fire department visits all the neighborhoods so the kids can see
Santa, but this year, they brought Santa directly to Joey - I'm telling you, these guys are just incredible. We invited
everyone in and Joey's smile said it all when he saw his favorite group of guys. It was so great to see them under happy
circumstances. We filled them up with hot coffee and cannoli's and then they headed back out to finish their Christmas
Eve route.
Christmas Eve
The Alabaster Fire Dept., Santa, Joey & Gionna
Birmingham Zoo, September 2009
Joey with FF Cliff (Jess's Hubby & Owen's Daddy)
Ched & Joey
June 2008
Visiting FF Josh & his broken leg....
Joey & the Firemen (sounds like a country music group)
Lt. Mitchell & Joey During the NBC Interview
August 27, 2007
We would like to say a special
thank you to the Alabaster Fire Department, Station #2, for always being there when we need them - we love you guys!!
