A DAY TO HONOR FATHER MYCHAL F. JUDGE
When the “Walk” first started in 2002, there were a handful of people.
After the “Walk” that year, Steven McDonald was discouraged by the light turnout. He asked good friend John Bates if they should continue to hold it. John Bates told Steven that year, “Yes, we should continue to honor Father Mike, no matter how many people show up.”
Well, this year we had close to 600 people show up. Once again we had beautiful weather. The Mass in the lower church was a most memorable one. The Walk was phenomenal. Thanks to all who showed up to make this a success. Many thanks to Chief Cassano and Chief McNally for attending, and to the NYPD for escorting us safe and sound through the streets of Manhattan. We also want to thank Father Christopher Keenan for saying the Mass and braving the heat to read the Psalms.
Steven McDonald once again led us down 7th Ave, behind Engine 343, followed by Brother David Schlatter and his Bells of Remembrance.
The Bells were followed by the Salvation Army Canteen, and some of the Fire Family Transport Fleet, namely FFT # 2 (The Haskell Van), #8, #10 (The Engine 6 Memorial Van), #11 (The Lt. Dan Van), and #12 (The Vigiano Van).
It was a memorable day for all. Here are some pictures, courtesy of our own Butch Moran (Official FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation Photographer). Enjoy!
Click any image for a larger image.
Here is an excerpt from Father Mychal’s last homily, which was spoken at Ladder 42 in the Bronx on Monday September 10th, 2001, in a special Mass held there.
“No matter how big the call, no matter how small,
you have no idea of what God is calling you to do,
but God needs you.
He needs me. He needs all of us.”
(Mychal’s last homily: Sept. 10, 2001)
For further information contact:
NYPD Detective 1st Grade Steven McDonald (347) 386-9400
Capt. John D. Bates (Metro Pilots) (516) 238-0952
*Transportation will be provided from St. Peter’s back to St. Francis by the Fire Family Transport Vans, and other vehicles.
The FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, listed with the IRS and exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. Contributions are deductible, as provided by law.
Since 1993, we have provided transportation services to over 500 families as they have visited loved ones in hospitals, shuttled them to medical treatments, and, unfortunately, too often, attended their funerals.
Our work could not be possible without contributions from caring individuals like you.
Thank you for deciding to donate to our cause. Any amount is appreciated.
Please send your check to:
FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation
PO Box 157
Ft. Tilden, NY 11695
With only 9 days left, we embarked on our final promotion tour on Friday August 30th, 2007. We started by attending an official 9-11 Flag unfurling ceremony at the corner of Mott and Hester Street in Chinatown.
The “Singing Sanitation Man” belted out the “Star Spangled Banner” and”God Bless America”, across the street. It was a very moving moment for all. The flag will be there until 9/15 when they take it up.Our next stop was Engine 55 on Broome Street. This was the first time we visited this house, and we will be back next year. We were all taken back by a mural painted by Gordon Roy Press. He took a month to paint this masterpiece:
Members of Engine 55 who made the supreme sacrifice on 9-11-01
Gordon, with cane in hand, said he would be honored to join us for the walk. Here he poses with the members of Engine 55 and our own Steven McDonald. Mike Hyland looks on.
Our third stop was Engine 4, and Ladder 15. Below, a picture with the night tour.
| EXECUTIVE BOARD | ADVISORY BOARD | |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Concannon — Ret. LT L-111 — President/Founder | DR. FRANK P. CAMMISA — Hosp. for Spec. Surgery | |
| Joe Valenti — Ret. FF L-111 — Vice President |
HON. JOHN G. INGRAM — Judge, NY State Court of Claims |
|
| Jim Ginty — Batt. Chief Bn-12 — Vice President | Mike Hyland — Ret LT L-132 — FDNY Football Team | |
| Danny Prince — Ret. FF L-156 — Treasurer |
Stephen "Butch" Moran — Official FFT Photographer |
|
| Eugene Stolowski — FF R-3 — Secretary |
Father Christopher Keenan — FDNY Chaplain |
|
| Steve Collins — Ret. FF L-147 — Sergeant at Arms |
Steven Mcdonald — NYPD Det. 1st Gr. |
|
| Ken Haskell — FF L-175 — FF Representative | John Kelly — UFA | |
Rich Cannon — FF E-310 FF. Representative |
John Mcaleese — Ret. FF E-219 |
|
| Joe Seeney — LT E-230 — Officers’ Representative | John Atwell — Ret. Capt. E-219 | |
Bobby Fraumeni — Ret. FF L-147 Retired FF Representative |
Ben Reonegro — FF L-1 | |
| Buddy Ducalo — Ret. FF E-250 — Special Projects Coordinator | Michael O'Sullivan — FF E-310 | |
Mike Legge----Capt. E-277 |
||
| Frank Ancona Ret. FF L-132 | ||
| Mike Stallone Owls Head Equipment | ||
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