February 22, 2013
By Stephanie West
Four FDNY unions participating in the New York City Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund Inc. (www.NYCFDDR.org) have announced a fundraiser to aid the many FDNY first responders who suffered catastrophic damages from Hurricane Sandy.
The event will take place March 13 from 7-10 p.m. at Avenue, 116 10th Ave. in Manhattan. VIP tickets are $1,000 and General Admission is $175. Event sponsorships are available. For more information, to donate or attend contact 646-839-6535 or email cearly@ufanyc.org
Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and especially its first responders hard. Hundreds of active members of the FDNY – from rank and file firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics and dispatchers – suffered catastrophic damage to their homes. While their homes were being destroyed, these first responders were busy effectuating tens of thousands of emergency responses ranging from major fires, water rescues of trapped civilians, ruptured gas lines, transformer explosions and urgent medical calls. During Sandy, FDNY fire-related call volumes soared to 25,000 across the city.
“During Hurricane Sandy, our firefighters knew it was up to them to be the lifeline for New Yorkers in the eye of the storm. To protect New Yorkers they had to leave the safety of their own homes and families and brave the worst elements of Hurricane Sandy,” said Steve Cassidy, Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) president. “Firefighters in all five boroughs were on the front lines and fully exposed to constant danger for the duration of the super storm. We believe it is important to step forward and help their families recover.”
Israel Miranda, President of the Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors FDNY Local 2507 said, “Rescue workers citywide responded to a wide variety of emergency calls during Hurricane Sandy and ensured the safety of New York’s hardest hit communities. While I’m proud of the impact our members had, many of them continue to struggle from the damage that Hurricane Sandy caused. We want to support these workers and help them get out from under Sandy’s devastation.”
Vincent A. Variale, President Uniformed EMS Officers Union, FDNY Local 3621 said, “EMTs, EMS Officers, Dispatchers and Firefighters responded to the need of their city when Hurricane Sandy hit, but while protecting other NY City communities, their own homes and personal belongings were being destroyed. This fund and this event is about helping each other out.”
Responders had to work through horrific conditions, with dangerous winds, flying debris and floods that carried and overturned cars, boats and even homes, while littering the streets with downed trees and live power lines.
Donations to the New York City Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund Inc. can also be made:
Online at www.NYCFDDR.org;
Checks can be addressed to:
New York City Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund Inc.
C/O Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
For more information about the Fund visit: www.NYCFDDR.org or call 646-839-6535.
