For the 43rd 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 created something unique for his final painting titled, “LAST RUN.” 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 2023 painting will be Joe’s honor to those who have served and are, or will be retiring.   

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 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. Joe Getsinger’s art has been a major influence in the foundation’s successful fundraising efforts in Wildwood for 43 years.

This year’s painting was created in the honor of friend and longtime firefighter Donald “Pops” Ley, Sr. Through his long dedication of 60 years to Woodbury Heights Fire Department, he served as a Councilman and Mayor of Woodbury Heights, Vice President of First Fidelity Bank, and a U.S. Army Sergeant who served during the Korean War. His grandson, Jarryd Ley, posed in his grandfather’s gear and may become the new artist for the Burn Foundation fundraisers. He is a talented artist in his own rite. With the aid of Chief Bill Kramer, Jr., and members of the Cinnaminson Fire Department, the photo shoot was completed on their Pierce Fire Truck.  

This yearly art project continues to be sponsored in full by David Russell, President, Fire & Safety Services Ltd., South Plainfield, N.J., who has supported the Burn Foundation and the Artist for over 25 years.  

This year’s sponsor for the “Last Run” Collector Pins was First Harvest Credit Union. Vice President Kenneth Barnshaw was proud to sponsor the collector pin for the fourth 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 service their members in Philadelphia and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  

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

Brigantine Firefighters raised $5,000 from their golf event on July 20th, and a check was presented to Administrator John McCann at the fireman’s convention in Wildwood, N.J. by Bob Riley. They are a great supporter of the Burn Foundation for many years.

Winners of the limited edition ($59.00 value) signed print “LAST RUN “ by Joseph Getsinger was: William McFarland - Egg Harbor Twp., NJ,  Larry Rosenberg - Edison, NJ,  William Behr - Bayille, NJ,  Leonard Rogers - East Orange, NJ,  Don Wharton - Somerdale, NJ,  Brian Sims - Phoenixville, Pa.,  Joe Cipriano - Blackwood, NJ,  Laura DeFelice - Lake Hopatcong, NJ,  Mike Murphy - Howell, NJ,  Jamie Forano - Egg Harbor, NJ,  Aitor Ostalaza - Landing, NJ,  Jason Roettger – Wanaque, NJ,  Marci Mount – Belford, NJ,  Matt Rusio – Elmwood Park, NJ,  George Meunos – Galloway, NJ,  William Shern – Cliffwood, NJ,  Frank Clements – Mullica Hill, NJ,  Matthew Beltzen – Caldwell, NJ,  Timothy Wierzbinski – Clark, NJ,  Justin Par – Monroeville, NJ,  Jeff Huxley – Hillsborough, NJ,  Terry Gakeler – Greenwood, DE,  Steve Smith – Sewell, NJ,  Herb Porter – RioGrande, NJ. 

The top prize winner of the ($1,500.00 value) signed #1 “LAST RUN” framed Giclee’ canvas was Francene Carrol of Oceanport, NJ.

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.

Choice Marketing (www.choicemarketing.net) has created and sponsored cards for over 20 years of the artist’s work to support the Burn Foundation. A special thanks to the owner Chip Lillie, lifelong firefighter, Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Captain.  

Fort Nassau Graphics (www.fortnassaugraphics.com) in West Deptford, N.J. is the exclusive printer of Getsinger and have printed top-quality limited-edition prints, note cards and raffle tickets for the Burn Foundation. Special thanks to President Brian Francis and the top-notch technical and press staff that help Joe produce reproductions of his art including this year’s image and four of Delaware State Police’s 100th Anniversary prints and note cards. 

Premier Art & Frames, Pitman, N.J., Will Edwards, owner, donated the custom frame for the #1 “Last Run” Giclee’ canvas print with is the first prize from the raffle. He produces top quality framing at very reasonable prices. Mention Joe Getsinger and receive 15% off your framing.

VanGogh Again Galleries’ President John Cortese of Upper Darby, Pa., printed and donated the #1 Giclee’ Canvas print of “Last Run” to be raffled off at the Burn Foundation Booth in Wildwood this year. John has donated the 1st Place Giclee’ canvas print for the last ten years to support burn survivors.