Tell us about yourself
I began my career as a NYC Firefighter in 1999, in Ladder 24, Herald Square, Manhattan. My company lost 6 Firefighters in the WTC Terrorist attack, including Father Mike, from Saint Frances of Assisi.
How did you hear about WCC?
I heard about the “Iron Skillet Cook Off,”an annual fundraiser that brings together firefighters and chefs to support disaster response efforts and became interested. This event was being hosted by WCC and I decided to take part along with two of my firehouse buddies, Tom Vederosa and Matt Ambelas (who was killed in a high rise fire on July 5, 2014 in Brooklyn). We cooked a firehouse recipe, “Chicken Shermanaise” and came in second place.
Tell us about how you support their mission.
To show my support, I volunteer my service as a long time party DJ to WCC’s Annual Fundraiser. Also, my company, Sound Explosion DJ’s, has provided musical entertainment at the event for the last 16 years.
Share one of your favorite moments with WCC.
Just this year, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Fire department appeared to be rationing its personal protective equipment, particularly the N95 respirators. The firefighters were concerned.
I had brought these concerns to World Cares Center and Lisa and her team immediately came to support our firefighters. WCC donated 700 N95 respirators to all 31 fire companies in the borough of Staten Island.
Not only did WCC provide respirators but they also provided Just in Time training on the extensive use and reuse of the N95 respirators to all FDNY facilities in Staten Island.
It was an impressive effort, and no doubt, saved countless firefighters and civilians from further contamination.
WCC efforts to support the personal safety of NYC firefighters has been most greatly appreciated, and will not soon be forgotten.
