NY Fire Safety Foundation Donates Funds to FDNY’s Family Assistance Unit

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta accepts a check for $175,000 from Chairman of the New York Fire Safety Foundation Dr. Gerry Lynch.

The New York Fire Safety Foundation donated $175,000 to the FDNY’s Family Assistance Unit on March 31, during a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters.

“Many of the great successes we’ve had at the Department are because of organizations like the New York Fire Safety Foundation,” said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. “For many years they have helped many of our families and have truly made a difference for the Department.”

The New York Fire Safety Foundation has supported FDNY members for decades, most notably after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when they raised and distributed more than $3 million for the families of fallen members.

As the charity dissolves, Foundation Chairman Dr. Gerry Lynch said it is donating its remaining funds to the FDNY’s Family Assistance Unit. The unit supports the families of FDNY members when there is a death, accident or serious illness in the family.

“Many of my happiest memories are through the work I have done for this Foundation,” said Dr. Lynch.

The FDNY graciously accepted a check from the Board of the New York Fire Safety Foundation. (L to R) Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Ed Livingston, Victoria Pitcavage, John Mulligan, Mike O'Neal, FDNY Family Assistance Unit Assistant Commissioner Suzanne Sebert, John Murphy, Dr. Gerald Lynch, John McDonnell and Harvey Watkins.

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano presented Dr. Lynch with a memorial shadowbox that held a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. The members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors also received certificates thanking them for their generosity.

“The work you do goes on and on,” Chief Cassano said. “Thank you for all you have done for us.”