Our first responders are always out there on the front lines serving and protecting us. Now it's our turn to return the favor.
Find out more info & donate HERE.
All of us at Friends of Firefighters hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe at home. We know you are receiving dozens of pleas from other organizations, each responding to the global health crisis that we are all facing. Here at Friends of Firefighters, as elsewhere, the spread of COVID-19 virus is requiring an immediate response.
At this very moment, NYC Firefighters are being thrust to the forefront of a global health crisis with no choice but to respond to emergency calls. As the coronavirus spreads, a growing number of firefighters are finding themselves face-to-face with the possibility of contamination just by going to work. As of today, 3,000 FDNY members are out on medical leave.
Firefighters realize they are at an increased risk of exposure to people who have contracted COVID-19, and they are in more danger now due to a shortage of supplies and manpower. Not surprisingly, this risk is causing more stress than usual because it is compounded by the concern that they will come home after a shift and expose their families.
Firefighters are not meant to carry their burdens alone. Here are just a few of the things Friends of Firefighters is doing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
We are providing a safe, supportive online alternative to in-person counseling sessions for active and retired firefighters and their family members.
We are providing weekly virtual support meetings for active and retired firefighters in need of emotional support, as well as their family members.
We are providing sensitive and responsive outreach to all FDNY firehouses and retiree groups.
We are continually assessing the needs, courses of action and resource requirements of the FDNY community.
CLICK HERE to make a donation to fund Friends of Firefighters’ ongoing outreach efforts to all NYC firehouses, as well as the free, confidential online counseling and virtual support meetings we are providing for FDNY firefighters, active and retired, and their family members.
Thank you for your support at this critical moment.