For the 44th Year of his partnership with the BURN FOUNDATION and its annual fundraiser at the NJ State Firefighters’ Convention in Wildwood, NJ, artist Joseph M. Getsinger (semi-retired) has teamed up with very talented 3D Artist, Jarryd Ley.  They are creating something very unique for this year’s Burn Foundation fundraiser at the September Fireman’s Convention in Wildwood, N.J. Over the years Joe’s work has depicted many aspects of emergency response featuring firefighters and their equipment, their history, and various evolutions of the first responder experience.  The 2024 painting will be a combination of young and more seasoned art talent.  Jarryd Ley posed for last year’s painting, “LAST RUN,” in his grandfather’s gear to honor him.  His grandfather was Donald “Pops” Ley Sr. who was a lifetime member of the Woodbury Heights Fire Department, Mayor, Councilman, Vice President of First Fidelity Bank and Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant.  Sadly, his grandfather passed last year.

This year’s art project “Slaying the Beast” is sponsored in full by David Russell, President, FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES Ltd., South Plainfield, N.J. , and Pierce Manufacturing.  David Russell and his father William Russell have supported the Burn Foundation and the Artist for over 25 years.  David Russell has also financed the printing of the raffle tickets.  

With the aid of (retired) Fire Chief William Kramer, Jr., Fire Chief Philip Drangula and members of the Cinnaminson Fire Department the photo shoot was completed with a Pierce aerial Fire Truck.  This photoshoot was aided by Drone Photographer and Deputy Chief Ira Schonfeld and Firefighter Amanda Mahler who was on the top of the aerial fire truck during the photoshoot attended and directed by Joe Getsinger.

The Burn Foundation was established in 1973 to provide fundraising for the emerging specialty for the treatment of burn injuries.  The foundation was formed with the mission to aid burn patients, their families and the institutions that treat them.  Over the years the four (4) regional Burn Centers at Crozer Chester Medical Center, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Temple University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, their patients, families, and staff, have all benefited from contributions raised at various events throughout the years.  But none is more important than the annual NJ State Firefighters’ Convention in Wildwood, NJ.  Joe Getsinger’s art has been a major influence in the foundation’s successful fundraising efforts in Wildwood since 1980.

This year’s sponsor for the Collector Pins is First Harvest Credit Union. Vice President Kenneth Barnshaw was proud to sponsor the collector pin for the fifth year to support the work of the Burn Foundation. From its original roots in Camden County as South Jersey Federal Credit Union, it has expanded its presence all the way to the Jersey Shore. Ten full-service locations in New Jersey include the corporate office in Deptford, New Jersey with branches in Camden, Glassboro, Pleasantville, Voorhees, Mt. Laurel and Vineland. In addition, they serve their members in Philadelphia and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  

John McCann, Administrator for the Burn Foundation reported that last year over $14,800.00 was raised with the donation raffle of the “Last Run” Giclee canvas and 24 signed and numbered limited-edition prints.  

Burn Foundation 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, Pa. 19103 supports the greater Delaware Valley through education and support of five regional Burn Centers.  You can donate online at: www.burnfoundation.or or call (215) 545-3816.  Special thanks to Administrator John McCann for his support and dedication through the years..