The Aaron Clark Peer Support Team was created to honor how Aaron Clark showed up for people - not only through his service, but through his humanity.

A U.S. Marine and active FDNY firefighter at Rescue 1, Aaron believed peer support had no boundaries. He supported active and retired firefighters, veterans, and first responders with the same steady presence and respect. This team carries that belief forward: if you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and you don’t need to explain yourself to be understood.

At Friends of Firefighters, peer support is about firefighters helping firefighters. It’s about trust, shared experience, honest conversation, and knowing when to listen—or just sit with someone who’s carrying a lot.

The Aaron Clark Peer Support Team exists to meet people exactly where they are—and to keep showing up, the way Aaron always did.

Free Peer Support Programs for FDNY Firefighters (Active & Retired)

One-on-One Peer Support

Firefighters who prefer less formal counseling and don’t wish to join a group can speak confidentially to trained peers for the specialized support they need.

On the Arm Breakfast

Established in 2003 by the late Tony “Cat” Catapano, On the Arm Breakfast is a monthly breakfast for active and retired members of the FDNY held on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:00–11:00 AM at Friends of Firefighters’ Red Hook firehouse. This casual group gathering brings together peers to connect, share stories, and build community over made-to-order omelets and all the fixings prepared by retired FDNY firefighters Pete Calascione and Kevin Neafsey. True to firehouse tradition, breakfast is served with unlimited coffee and plenty of laughs. Designed to feel just like time spent around the firehouse kitchen table at change of tours, On the Arm Breakfast is a time to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and enjoy meaningful conversation in a trusted, familiar setting.

Firehouse Kitchen Talk

Chow’s On! Firehouse Kitchen Talk is a monthly gathering that brings active and retired firefighters together around the firehouse kitchen table to listen, learn, and talk through the issues that matter most to our community. These evenings feature trusted community voices who come to the firehouse to share lived experiences and raise critical topics, creating space for deeper understanding, reflection, and conversation among those who know the job and its impact best.

Held on the last Thursday of each month from 7:00–9:00 PM, the night includes dinner prepared by retired firefighters Pete Calascione and Kevin Neafsey. Join us for real conversation, rooted in respect, connection, and the tradition of gathering around the kitchen table. Visit our events page to see upcoming topics and speakers.