In May, Fire News held a charitable awards event donating a total of $50,000 to five fire-department-related charities. The commitment to donate the funds was made by Fire News publisher Frank C. Trotta when the Fire News 9/11 20th Anniversary Issue was released last fall.
Publisher Frank C. Trotta and Chief Operating Officer Tim Edwards presented $10,000 checks to the charities, noting that the, “Five charities continue to contribute in a positive way to families affected by the devastating effects of 9/11.” Some of the charities chosen serve Suffolk and Nassau as well as working nationally. They are: The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation, The Ray Pfeifer Foundation, Firefighter Cancer Support Network – NY Chapter and The FealGood Foundation.
Close to 200 people attended including chiefs, commissioners and members from all around Long Island, state and local government officials and others. It was highlighted by the Ceremonial Color Guard provided by the Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County and former FDNY Chief of Department Tom Richardson as the key note speaker. Additional speakers included Legislator Tom Donnelly, Senator John Brooks, Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, Liaison for FDNY 9/11 Ceremonial Unit Ray McGuire and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy. “I’d like to thank the Fire News editorial and sales staff for their round the-clock work producing the issue, our photographers who donated their images and our advertisers who supported the issue,” said Trotta.
Thank you to the South County Ambulance Company for generously providing their facilities, hospitality and to all of their members who volunteered their time to help.
– Fire News photos by Ron Monteleone & Bryan Lopez
