Photoshop for doing image stuff like this is probably the way to go...
Fireworks if really more for web design... but I have used it since version 3.0 so I can usually get what I want out of it.
It is getting hard to just get fireworks these days ... macromedia has bundled it with other software ... that if your not serious about web design/graphic stuff...there is no reason to get it...just stick with photoshop
oh... vol freak I like your new SIG!!...nice background!