FDNY and NFL Players Association Partner to Celebrate FDNY’s Milestone Anniversary
August 27, 2015
FDNY Foundation Marks Anniversary of Sept. 11 Terrorist Attacks
September 11, 2015
New York All-Stars Turn Out for FDNY Foundation’s Annual All-Star Breakfast
Actor Sigourney Weaver, New York Knicks legend John Wallace, former Giant Rich Seubert and New York Knick great Earl “The Pearl” Monroe were among the all stars that joined the FDNY and the FDNY Foundation to salute members of the FDNY and celebrate the Department’s 150th anniversary at the Foundation’s annual All-Star Breakfast.
The event was hosted by Sports Radio host Mike Francesa at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan on Wed., Sept. 9.
The All-Star Breakfast is one of the Foundation’s most popular events and each year, serves to recognize the men and women of the FDNY and honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.
“Two days from now, we will mark 14 years since September 11th, 2001. That day, we lost 343 of the greatest people to ever wear an FDNY uniform,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “None of us will ever forget that day and the lasting impact it has made on this Department. By joining us this morning, and supporting our Department’s life-saving mission, you are also paying tribute to our fallen heroes.”
“I lost a close and personal friend on 9/11,” said Wallace. “It’s important to show support for the FDNY. I’m here representing the Knicks and the NBA, and even though it’s 14 years later, I will always remember.”
“For me it was easy,” said Seubert. “Why wouldn’t you show support for the FDNY? It’s like 9/11 happened yesterday, it’s always in the forefront of your mind.”
“I was delighted to be invited,” said Weaver. “As a New Yorker, I have always felt incredibly grateful to the Fire Department. After 9/11, the Flea was able to commission the play ‘The Guys.’ As an actor, it was very meaningful to me. And, we just belong to you. Whatever you want us to do.”
Also in attendance at the event: American soccer players Connor Brandt and Tony Taylor Alejandro Antonio, Olympian Teresa Edwards, Brooklyn Net Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, former New York Yankee James Leyritz, former New York Giant running back Lewis Darnell Tillman, theater and film director Jim Simpson and actor/comedian Jay Pharoah.
The All-Star Breakfast also serves as one of the Foundation’s biggest fundraisers of the year, helping to fund awareness and outreach programs, FDNY member training and new technology and equipment for the Department.
“We are excited that this event has continued to grow each year,” said FDNY Foundation Board Member Joe Coppotelli. “The presence of so many partners, from business leaders to sports figures, is truly a testament to the generosity of our community and to their dedication to the Department and to the Foundation. It is with their help that we can continue to fund these crucial programs that are keeping New Yorkers safer, as well as the brave men and women of the FDNY.”
“It’s an honor to be here to celebrate the Fire Department,” said Monroe, “their 150th and all they do for the City.”
“The work of the FDNY Foundation is absolutely crucial to accomplishing our Department’s life-saving mission,” said Commissioner Nigro. “FDNY fire safety education has helped reduce fire deaths to historic lows, and thanks to your support we are preventing fires and responding to at risk communities with important education when tragedy strikes. Our CPR training program is making a difference as well – this year we trained our 100,000th person to perform CPR, and our program has expanded to include teaching thousands of high school students in all 5 boroughs.”
To support these programs and the life-saving work of the FDNY, please consider making a donation to the FDNY Foundation by clicking here.
More photos here.
"I was delighted to be invited. As a New Yorker, I have always felt incredibly grateful to the Fire Department. After 9/11, the Flea was able to commission the play ‘The Guys.’ As an actor, it was very meaningful to me. And, we just belong to you. Whatever you want us to do."
