Whistle Stop Tour
Recently the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) recently conducted a 37-day, 20- location
nationwide caravan "Whistle Stop Tour" promoting firefighter safety and
enlightening America's communities in fire prevention initiatives. The
event included local rallies and training opportunities as well as
appearances by local family member survivors of fallen firefighters. I
was asked to be the featured speaker at the Hartford, CT Whistle Stop to
honor my Father, Harold, (Jim) Lyons, Sr. of Brookhaven Fire Department,
who died in the line of duty some 15 years ago this October 30th. Two
members of the Brookhaven Fire Dept, Past Chief James Vaz and Lieutenant
Brian LaMonica, took time out of their daily lives to attend this event
and honor their fallen hero. A friend took some pictures and I though I
would send them onto you for possible use in an upcoming issue of Fire
News. I feel awkward sending you this information myself as I was part
of the ceremony; however, I truly feel the two members of Brookhaven FD
who drove over 150 miles for a two- hour ceremony deserve some kind of
recognition along with the NFFF. Firefighter safety is such an important
issue today. Unfortunately not many think about it until a firefighter
is injured or dies in the line of duty.
Shown in the picture are (L-R) Lt.
Brian LaMonica, Ex-Chief Jim Vaz and Keynote Speaker Jim Lyons
Provided by James Lyons
Suffolk County Volunteer
Firefighters Burn Center Fund
The Westhampton Beach Fire
Department Juniors recently donated $1200 that they raised for the
Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center Fund.
The Westhampton Beach Fire
Department Junior Fire Department recently presented a check for $1,202
to the Stony Brook Burn Center. The juniors raised the money by holding
a car wash at the fire department and donated it in the name of Ex-Chief
Andy Anderson, who was treated at the burn center after being burned in
a home accident.
Photo by Cheryl Kraft
-Fire News photos by Fred
Bauer
Jammin’ in July
Check presentation made to the
Burn Center from the LaGrassa family, who owns a pub (Giacoma Jack's) in
Amityville. Over the past few years they have sponsored an event called
Jammin’ in July held at the Amityville beach, with all proceeds being
donated to the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighter Burn Fund. The
event, which is a beach party, pig roast and battle of local bands. The
food and entertainment are all great. This year was their most
successful year so far, with check presentation to the Burn Center Fund
for $13,800. The photo shows Patty Lagrassa, Jack LaGrassa Jr. Craig
Zitik VP Burn Center, Jerry Owenburg Past President, and Jack LaGrassa
Sr. The Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center Fund wishes to
express their greatest appreciation to the LaGrassa family, Giacomo
Jack's and their supporters for this generous donation.
-Fire News photos by Fred
Bauer
