Welcome to the fall issue. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. First, I would like to congratulate my friend, Brendan Corrigan, on his promotion to Lieutenant.
Brendan was the first person I met with when we first started putting together this publication. I would like to thank the guys at E-253 & L-153 for welcoming me into their house, so I could clean up after I ran the Tough Mudder.
If it wasn’t for them, I would have never been able to attend the Captain James Corrigan Fundraiser that day. I also want to thank all the houses who invited me to sit down and eat with them. I learned this summer that the best places to eat in New York City is in an FDNY firehouse.
Our tattoo contest winner is FF Brian McManus L-153. FF McManus will be getting a tattoo in remembrance of his late daughter Ava. In addition, we are also giving a tattoo to Lt. Dave Turner E-38 for his retirement. Lt. Turner did not win our contest, but we decided as a retirement gift we are giving Lt. Turner a tattoo to commemorate his career and to remember those he worked with as a firefighter.
In this issue, we remember FF Daniel Pujdak L-146. From his brother Dave, we catch a glimpse of Daniel’s life and learned who he was as a brother, son, man and a New York City firefighter. We also remember Father Mychal Judge who was lost on 9/11 alongside the men he loved.
In a farewell interview, we have Lt. Dave Turner. He leaves a lasting impression as he bids farewell to all his friends of the FDNY to start a new chapter in his life. We heard from the Florida retirees and the founder of the FDNY Martin/St. Lucie Florida division founder Richard Kirrsetter L-33 Ret... Rich, along with Bobby Checco L-110 Ret., shared some of their current photos and some photos from the “War Years.” We also learn about 911day.org and the ”I Will” campaign from Jay Winuk. As a day of observance, this annual campaign pays tribute to the memory of all those lost on 9/11 by honoring them with charitable service and good deeds.
In November, The Beach House, E-268 & L-137, celebrated their 100th anniversary. A special thanks to Dawn Turizo for her article which gives an inside look at what our spouses, children, siblings, and parents, of not only fireman, but cops, EMS, and our military personnel go through when we walk out the door for our tour of duty. Also, I must thank Amanda Floyd from Amanda Marie Artistry for this issue’s amazing cover photo. Once again, a big thank you to Kyra Neeley for going to events and allowing me to use her photos of these events.
Merry Christmas to all and have a happy and safe holiday season.They support you, please support them.
Bobby Picioccio Editor-in-Chief Managing Director nyfirefightersnow@gmail.com www.nyfirefightersnow.com 973-493-4348