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Code Fearless Concert Honors America's Firefighters
» More Photos: View the Slideshow On May 22, 2008, the first Code Fearless Concert was held to honor our fallen heroes, their families, and all firefighters across the U.S. who have devoted their lives to serving their communities. The event was held at the historic Roseland Ballroom in New York City and featured music of acclaimed rock band, Collective Soul; Downward Departure; and singer/songwriter Sam James. Special guests included officials of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and survivor families of fallen firefighters. Several service members from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps who were in the city for Fleet Week were also in attendance. In a VIP reception held before the concert, guests were entertained by a blues artist. Guests were also able to participate in a silent auction of sports and music memorabilia, and those proceeds will be donated the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. After an introduction of the special invited quests, the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums performed in the main ballroom. The presentation of colors by the FDNY Color Guard Unit followed, and Firefighter Regina Wilson performed the National anthem during the opening ceremony. The Seal of Excellence Award was presented o the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) under the leadership of Chief Sal Cassano in recognition of the department-wide dedication to firefighter life safety and for joining our mission to make sure Everyone Goes Home®. "FDNY has a long tradition of innovation and developing new techniques to protect the citizens of New York City and the members of its department. Through Chief Cassano's leadership, the creation of a Courage to Be Safe (SM) video tailored to the needs of FDNY was developed. This new video was produced by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in partnership with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and will be shown in each FDNY station to ensure Everyone Goes Home®." MC Jim Kerr, of Q104.3 radio then introduced the first band called Downward Departure. They performed their tribute song '343' in remembrance of the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th. Following the performance of Downward Departure, audience members enjoyed the song styling of singer/songwriter Sam James. Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Billy Leahy, President of the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, presented the Code Fearless Award to the Monticello Joint Fire District. Monticello Joint Fire district is a newly formed department, replacing a former village department in southern New York. During and after the horrible events of September 11, 2001, the department was dispatched under the provision of the New York State Fire Mobilization & Mutal Plan to assist the Fire Department of the City of New York. Since then, the Monticello Fire Department has developed and embraced many programs to help keep firefighters safe. In 2006, they adopted the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and the Everyone Goes Home ProgramŽ. They also started the first rapid intervention team (RIT) in their county and developed a stress debriefing team which is called upon for counseling services for their membership and neighboring organizations. The featured acclaimed rock band, Collective Soul took to the stage and performed many of their hits including Shine, Gel, and December. We would like to thank everyone who came out to support the event and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the programs of the Foundation.
About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) |
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