General Info

My name is Paul Joseph Walsh and I was raised in Newington CT. I had an inherent artist interest and began painting at an early age. I was encouraged by family and art teachers to continue to expand my artistic ability. I also had an interest in firefighting at an early age. I joined the fire service as a volunteer in 1979. After serving 5 years, my love for firefighting transitioned to a career with the City of New Britain Fire Department (NBFD). I'm currently a Deputy Chief with NBFD and a third generation firefighter. I attended Central Connecticut State University for graphic arts and Hartford State Technical College for fire science. I was inspired by a friend and New York City Firefighter/Artist John Goss to paint firefighters as my subject matter. At that point I combined firefighting and art. My early works were primarily watercolor which was 'wet-on-dry' on cold press paper. I eventually segued to oil on canvas. I have won many awards and my work has been showcased in several exhibitions, including New York City Fire Department Museum; New York City Barnes and Noble; New England Fire Museum, Cape Cod MA; Manchester's Fire Museum, Manchester, CT; and New Britain Art League, New Britain, CT. I've been featured in The Hartford Courant, The New Britain Herald, WNYF Magazine (NYC), Hartford Magazine, Fire Call and Irish Firefighter (UK firefighting Journals). My artwork appeared on the FX series 'RESCUE ME' 2011 season. My most honored works was designing the concept for the Connecticut Fallen Firefighters' Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial at the Ct State Fire Academy in Windsor Locks, CT.