The New York City Fire Department lost 343 firefighters rescuing the thousands trapped in the flaming towers of the World Trade Center. As of this writing, more than 250 FDNY members have died from WTC-related illnesses. Unfortunately, more are likely to follow.
Photo Credit: Kia Carbone
The 9/11 attacks were unprecedented in terms of the scope, magnitude, and impact on the psyche of our First Responders. Friends of Firefighters was created shortly after 9/11 to fulfill a vital and vocalized request to address the physical, mental health, and wellness needs of those we call ‘Our Bravest.’
We made it our mission to provide free and confidential mental health counseling and wellness services to FDNY firefighters, active and retired, and their families.
20 years later, many are still dealing with the aftermath of the recovery efforts — people who survived but continue to experience some element of psychological impairment, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, related symptoms like depression or anxiety, or those who have endured losing a loved one years after the fact from acquired health issues.
Twenty years later, many are still dealing with the aftermath of the recovery efforts as the firefighter community still struggles with their tremendous loss on 9/11 and the hundreds of 9/11-related deaths in the ensuing years. In 2020, they experienced first-hand the devastation of the COVID-19 when they responded to thousands of calls for help, many contracting the virus themselves and some losing beloved family members.
During the pandemic, a firefighter’s greatest concerns included exposing their family members, the well-being of co-workers diagnosed with COVID-19, or fearing someone with an unclear diagnosis might expose others in their community. For so many, COVID-19 proved to be exhausting physically and mentally.
We’re Still Here
At Friends of Firefighters, we believe in being readily available for those that risk their lives every day for others. With an encouraged drop-in policy and outreach specifically catered to the FDNY, we remain a pillar of strength for our first responders who sometimes prefer not to ask for help even when they need it.
Photo Credit: Eddie Heegan
Your support helps Friends of Firefighters to:
Establish a marked 20th Anniversary Program, an initiative intended to provide extra support and services for those who need us during this triggering year. The program includes extended hours at our Red Hook location for in-person peer support, 20-minute mental health tune-ups, programs for children and families, new wellness services, weekly On the Arm Breakfasts, weekly Firehouse Kitchen Talks, and special Appreciation dinners.
Expand our counseling, peer support, and wellness services that respond to the emotional and physical needs of firefighters, active and retired, and their families.
Provide more outreach and education to spread awareness, build connections, and ultimately serve more firefighters.
Be prepared prior to a disaster (such as COVID-19 or Hurricane Sandy) with the needed resources to assist the FDNY firefighter community.
A firefighter’s work is dangerous, urgent, and irreplaceable. Firefighters are there when we need them. Help to make sure we are there when they need us.