Paul Gives Firefighters finger paintings

[MLKjr]

Rock legend Paul McCartney and his wife, Heather Mills McCartney, have paid
special tribute to the firefighters of New York City with a donation of a
painting from their private collection.

The couple gave to the Uniformed Firefighters Association a 1974 painting by Ron
Kleinman, which shows a Mack truck of the Fire Department's Engine Company 33 on
Great Jones Street in Manhattan.

The painting was donated earlier this month to the organization, union spokesman
Tom Butler said Thursday. UFA president Steve Cassidy said the painting will be
displayed at firehouses throughout the city.

The plight of firefighters is dear to McCartney's heart: His father was a
firefighter in Liverpool, England.

"This is given with a deep respect and gratitude, from our family to yours, for
all that you (the firefighters) have done," said McCartney in a statement. "A
heartfelt thanks, and I hope that all of the firefighters will be able to enjoy
its beauty once it finds its resting place."

This isn't the first time McCartney has honored a part of New York City.

The musician was instrumental in the organization of The Concert for New York
City in October 2001, a benefit show following the Sept. 11 attacks, that
featured dozens of his high-profile rock 'n' roll counterparts.