I was born and raised in the fire service. My father, an incredible human being, has 45+ years as a firefighter/EMT. He spent 32 years of that as a career firefighter, working up to his last 9 years as chief. He started off volunteering in upstate New York, and continued working small interim chief and director positions across Massachusetts after retiring.
As a kid I was always excited to visit him at work. Being in the station, hanging out with the guys and playing on the firetrucks, felt like home. When I could ride my bike alone, I visited him all the time just to hang out. And would stop periodically after I got my license. Mostly to steal candy out of the secretary's desk, but he knew that.
I moved away for a short few years and when I moved back home I caught up with an old friend who volunteered locally. He told me to stop by the station, I hung out for a little while and joined that night. It felt like home again. It was what I was meant to do. It's in my DNA. I can honestly say it was never a strong enough dream to do it full time. I've now been a member for almost 8 years, becoming a lieutenant and the training officer.
Anyway!
I was introduced to the Tunnel to Towers foundation by a dear friend I admired very much. He spoke of the 5K in NYC often. He was originally from Long Island and is a huge supporter of the FDNY. After doing some research into the foundation, I learned about the stair climb in Albany NY from their website. I had started stair climbs for other foundations before and was excited to participate in this event. This year will be my 7th Albany Stair climb and my 6th NYC 5K.
This foundation and everything they do means the world to me. So please help me raise the money to continue to support the families of fire responders no longer with us from line of duty deaths and wounded warriors who gave more than they should have for this country and everything we love. Donate today and Let Us Do Good!
