Fire Chief has burning passion for art

(Okmulgee-AP) -- Okmulgee Fire Chief Bob Hardridge has had a burning desire for creating works of art for more than 30 years. It's a passion he learned from his father, Richard. <br><br>Richard Hardridge

Monday, July 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Okmulgee-AP) -- Okmulgee Fire Chief Bob Hardridge has had a burning desire for creating works of art for more than 30 years. It's a passion he learned from his father, Richard.

Richard Hardridge was a former machinist who was once offered a job by Disney Studios. Richard Hardridge was also known for meta lengravings. Like father, son's love of drawing means he is frequently sketching people and situations. A Hardridge original of a flooded fire station bathroom hangs on the wall.

Hardridge has had some success in selling sketches and paintings of western and wildlife themes. But he says he hasn't made enough to quit his day job.