Members Carry on SI Burn Center Toy Drive in Memory of Lt. Ryan

Firefighters from Engine 155/Ladder 78 help distribute the toys at the Staten Island University Hospital’s Dr. Jerome L. Finkelstein Burn Center.

Firefighters helped Santa give away Legos, radio-controlled cars, markers, soccer balls and even plastic fire trucks to dozens of smiling children at the Staten Island University Hospital’s Dr. Jerome L. Finkelstein Burn Center on Dec. 15.

And it was all in memory of Lt. Robert J. Ryan of Engine 155, who died in the line of duty on Nov. 23, 2008.

“This is what the holidays are all about,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano.

Lt. Ryan organized the first ever toy drive for the medical center in 2006, when he was recovering from severe burns at the hospital.

“Bobby was all about the children, all about giving,” said Capt. Brian Gorman of Engine 155.

Hundreds of toys were donated for the drive, and the members of Engine 155/Ladder 78 helped raise an additional $5,000 for the cause. Toymaker Hasbro also donated 100 Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head toys to the drive.

Diane Spallanzani, Lt. Robert Ryan’s sister, addresses the crowd as a little girl surveys the toys.

“I’m sure he didn’t expect [the drive] to become as great as it has,” said Diane Spallanzani, Lt. Ryan’s sister. “This shows how much he was loved. Each toy represents a life he touched in some way.”

Lt. Ryan received treatments at Staten Island University Hospital Regional Burn Center in 2006, after he endured second and third degree burns to his neck while fighting a fire in Brooklyn. Although his burns were severe, and potentially career-ending, he fought back and was able to return to work in 2007.

Lt. Ryan told his family he was moved by the children he saw receiving treatment at the burn center and wanted to help bring them joy during the holiday season. His fellow firefighters and the Ryan family have vowed to continue the drive in his memory.

“Bobby cared about giving and healing,” said Anthony C. Ferreri, President and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital. “His heart went out to the kids here.”

Dr. Michael Cooper, Director of the Burn Center, added: “Bob is not forgotten, he’s here with us today and always.”