FDNY Foundation Hosts Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner

On Thursday, September 19th, 2024 the FDNY Foundation hosted its annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner honoring longtime friend and supporter, Harvey M. Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Carlyle. The event took place at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. This year’s event has raised more than $4 million and supports the FDNY Foundation to help provide training, equipment, and education to FDNY members, fire and life safety education programs and much more. Guy Adami, CNBC commentator served as emcee.

“The money raised tonight helps FDNY members save lives by enabling the FDNY Foundation to fund critical programs that are not funded by the city, including the Fire Safety Education Unit and the CPR Training Unit. The Foundation also funds scholarships, state-of the-art equipment and training for our FDNY and EMS members,” said FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen L. Ruzow.

Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said, “This event is a great opportunity for all of us in the Fire Department to say thank you to the FDNY Foundation. It also allows us to showcase the impact the Foundation has had on our department. The Foundation helps with fire safety education, training thousands on lifesaving CPR, and training for our members as well. The FDNY Foundation’s support is immeasurable.”

“This award is a testament to the everyday heroism of our firefighters. It reflects the vital support provided for fire safety education, scholarships, training, equipment, and assistance for FDNY members and their families, ensuring they have the resources needed to keep NYC safe,” said Harvey Schwartz.

“The FDNY Foundation Dinner is a great night for the FDNY, and a great night to celebrate the dedication and support of the FDNY Foundation. We are deeply grateful for your unending support and contributions to our department,” said Acting Chief of Department John M. Esposito.

“To the FDNY, thank you again for what you do every day saving lives and protecting property in our great city. To everybody here tonight, your support saves lives through fire and life safety education and also provides FDNY firefighters, paramedics and EMT’s with the tools, education and training they need to keep us all safe,” said Guy Adami.

The FDNY Service Recognition Award was presented to FDNY Deputy Chief Inspector, Kingsley Eze, Bureau of Fire Prevention, who took an FDNY Mobile CPR class funded by the Foundation and helped save a life. He provided chest compressions, dialed 911 and was in contact with an EMT dispatcher on the phone who also gave clear instructions of what to do. FDNY EMS arrived moments later.

The FDNY Foundation sends our sincere thanks and gratitude to Harvey, Guy, our generous donors, and the FDNY for making this such a great event.

The FDNY Foundation thanks Stephen L. Ruzow, Chairman of the FDNY Foundation for 23 years, for his dedication and commitment to the FDNY and FDNY Foundation. Matthew J. DiLiberto, our 2021 FDNY Humanitarian Award Recipient, will be our new Chairman. Congratulations Steve and Matt!

2024 FDNY Foundation Virtual Journal

FDNY Foundation Hosts Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner (recap)