Local School Honored with Award
May 1, 2014
Fire Commissioner and FDNY Foundation Host Annual Dinner
The FDNY Foundation hosted its annual dinner at the New York Hilton in Manhattan on April 30.
“This event allows us to honor our biggest supporters while also raising funds for our important mission, to better protect New York,” said FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen Ruzow.
The event raised more than $1.5 million for the Foundation, which supports FDNY fire and life safety education efforts throughout the City, as well as education, training, equipment and technology for the FDNY.
“It’s an evening that allows us to celebrate what we have achieved with the support of our generous community,” said FDNY Foundation Executive Director Jean O’Shea. “And it allows us to look forward to the work we still have to do.”
This year, Scott Baxter, Vice President of VF Corporation, received the Fire Commissioner’s Humanitarian Award for his and his company’s commitment to fire safety.
The FDNY Service Recognition Award went to the FDNY Safety and Inspection Services Command, whose primary mission is to “Protect Those That Serve.” The Safety Command has implemented health and safety initiatives, many of which have become nationally recognized as best practices for first responders.
Dr. Reverend A.R. Bernard, the Foundation, Senior Pastor and CEO of Christian Cultural Center received the FDNY Service Recognition Award for his partnership with the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation. The Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn both helps the Department host events and serves the greater community in Brooklyn.
The Chief William M. Feehan Fire Safety Education Award went to Public School Q222 — the Firefighter Christopher A. Santora School. This Jackson Heights school holds an annual Art Show to help students get actively involved in Fire Prevention Month.
“We are here because of the generosity of others,” said Ruzow. “With their support, we can continue to spread the message of fire safety and we can enable the Department to do their life-saving work.”
The FDNY Foundation has educated more than 2.4 million New Yorkers in fire safety and helped train more than 100 thousand New Yorkers to perform bystander CPR in the last four years. Additionally, the Foundation helps to distribute more than 100 thousand batteries and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every year.
To help in the Foundation’s mission, click here.
