This acrylic and fiberglass sculptural mural depicts various aspects of firefighting, including a fire truck, a firefighter scaling a wall, another on top of a burning building and a fire hydrant. It demonstrates the unyielding courage in the fulfillment of duty and uncompromising compassion for the communities they so proudly serve and speaks to the department’s traditional mission administered from this location. Firefighters do more than put out fires. They respond to both natural and man-made disasters such as floods and car accidents; they keep a watchful eye on the community; and they respond to around-the-clock medical emergencies of all types. In addition, the firehouse serves as a community resource for neighborhood associations and other citizen groups.

PAZ is an artist of multiple abilities and has an established reputation as a jewelry designer, sculptor, painter and Aztec dancer. The Albuquerque artist describes his current style as ranging from "traditional to futuristic." He adds, "I like to take traditional and contemporary themes and work them back and forth . . . somewhere in between lies the vision I seek." In creating his sculptures and drawings, PAZ says, "I don’t feel like I can deny my Native, Spanish or American heritages." He began his art career in 1971 and later trained other Native Americans in the art of jewelry making under a government program. During stays in Mexico, he learned the dances and traditions of the ancient Aztec empire and now leads an Aztec dance group called Ehectl (the Wind).

Supported By
City of Albuquerque 1% for Public Art / Partners: Albuquerque Fire Department, Raynolds Addition Neighborhood Association