The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is pleased to partner with Firehouse in 2017 to raise awareness and funds for the important work of keeping firefighters safe. Firehouse has been a supporter of the Foundation since its inception thank them for their continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone at Firehouse Expo on October 19 -21, 2017. Come see us in Booth #1144.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, established in 2012, “carries on Joey’s legacy by training firefighters and providing personal life safety rope systems to departments in the United States and Canada which do not have the means to provide this important life-saving equipment,” says Chief Joe DiBernardo. An annual seminar provides training to firefighters supports the Foundation's grant program which helps departments and firefighters throughout North America stay safe.
The Firehouse brand includes a comprehensive integrated marketing platform serving the nation’s first responders. This portfolio of industry-leading properties provides an unparalleled audience reach for public safety with print, online, mobile and event properties.
"The members of the Berne Fire District thank you. A photo with our newly equipped gear with the bail out system."
The Berne Fire District Awarded Grant for personal safety rope systems through the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation.
"On behalf of the Oradell Volunteer Fire Department, please except our sincerest thanks to both the Joey D Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation. Without the generosity and hard work of the two foundations, our goal of equipping our members with life saving personal escape systems would not becoming a reality. Living just a few short miles from New York City, we are reminded on a daily basis of the dangers of firefighting and the sacrifice that Joe and the other firefighters made on Black Sunday. With this equipment, our members will have the tools they need to make it out safely should they be faced with a bailout situation. Again, on behalf of our members, thank you for helping keep firefighters safe, both in Oradell and across the country."
Seminar being held on November 3-4 includes both classroom and hands-on training for firefighters from across the country. On November 3-4, 2017, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will present its 5th Annual Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Seminar in Long Island, New York. The event supports the Foundation's grant progra...
On November 3-4, 2017, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will present its 5th Annual Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Seminar in Long Island, New York. The event supports the Foundation's grant program which provides personal life safety rope systems and training to fire departments in need.
Chief Joseph DiBernardo, Joey’s dad and Foundation President remembers, “The thing Joey loved most in the world was going to fires; his next passion was training firefighters.” The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, started in Joey’s memory, carries on his legacy by training firefighters and providing life safety ropes to fire departments.
By popular demand of the firefighters who attend the conference, the Foundation has added hands-on training to the annual event. In 2017, over a dozen different hands-on options have been added including: Man vs. Machine, Large Vehicle Extrication, RIT/Firefighter Rescue, and the new Flashover Simulator at the Suffolk County Fire Training Academy.
Registration for the 2017 seminar will open on June 25, 2017 at: www.joeydfoundation.org/2017-seminar
In addition to the new hands-on training component, the Foundation will offer three classroom sessions on Saturday at nearby R.C. Murphy Junior High School. Renowned fire service instructors for classroom sessions include: FDNY Captain Thomas Gardner, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael McPartland, and Chief Dennis Rubin, of the Petersburg (VA) Fire Department."We hope that one day every firefighter has a personal life safety system as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE). And no family, department or community suffers the devastating impact of another Black Sunday,” says Chief Joe DiBernardo. "Thank you to all of the sponsors and attendees who are helping us realize that goal. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2017."
Sign Up for the Seminar Now - Use Code EARLYBIRD17 for Discounted Pricing
Today, on June 6, 2017, the DiBernardo family made a special presentation to the Fire Academy Foundation. Joseph and Barbara DiBernardo presented a $30,000 check in memory of their son, FDNY Lieutenant Joseph “Joey” DiBernardo. These funds will be used to purchase a new Flashover Simulator at the Suffolk County Fire Academy, helping to honor Joey's dedication to training and firefighter safety.
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On May 4, 2017, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Board members teamed up with celebrities to support the First Annual Denis Leary Firefighter Challenge. The Challenge benefitted the Leary Firefighters Foundation and the FDNY Foundation.
Fourteen teams of four, with two celebrity team leaders took on a day of training at "the Rock," which trains FDNY firefighters. Trainees were able to "be a heroes just for a day" by crawling through the burn building, by knocking down a fire in the highrise simulator, and by cutting on a car during an auto extrication. They also conducted a search and rescue exercise, and watched a scenario in the subway simulator.
The Joey D team was led by Rachael Ray and Michael Lombardi. Team members representing the Foundation were Mary Jo Stark, Tiffany Griesch, Dave Walters, and Mike McGinniss. Mike McGinniss says, "Participating in the Leary Foundation Firefighter for a Day event was an incredible opportunity to get a small glimpse into the challenges firefighters face. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time and truly inspiring. I went into this having profound respect for firefighters and first responders and came away with even more respect and admiration for what these women and men do for our communities. The FDNY trainers and leadership were also incredibly gracious and generous with their attention, insight, and patience, especially with people like me who had no previous experience. Great job! Great day! Great cause!"
The Leary Firefighters Foundation provides generous support for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation's grant program. Our grant program provides life-saving personal safety rope systems for firefighters; since 2012, grants totaling over $181,000 have been awarded to departments in need.
"We are thankful for the Leary Firefighters Foundation's continued support of the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and for honoring Joey's memory. Our team was honored and excited to participate in this one-of-a-kind event that benefits firefighters throughout the country," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and father of Joey DiBernardo.
Photo by Amy Beechler
During Keeping Tradition Alive in Lewisville, Texas, firefighters gather each year to pass down the time-honored ritual of honoring firefighters. The symposium features the ceremonial skills need for both honor guard members and pipe and drum units.FDNY Firefighter Jeff Cool, survivor of the Black Sunday fire in the Bronx, who travels around the country sharing his story, delivered the keynote address during the symposium. Jeff recalled how he and FDNY Lt. Joey DiBernardo used his personal escape rope to escape the blaze. His steadfast commitment not only honors Joey, it works to promote the importance of personal safety rope systems to keep all firefighters safe. "It was my honor to speak at Keeping Tradition Alive and continue to pay it forward," says Jeff. Jeff's work with the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and in the fire service is invaluable.
"I was inspired and awestruck at his courage, dedication and conviction he shows for the safety of firefighters everywhere. Listening to him tell the story of January 23, 2005, and the story of the selfless act committed by Lt. DiBernardo, I could not help but to be moved, " said Assistant Chief Terry McGrath of the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department.
Chief McGrath and Keeping Tradition Alive organizers wanted to show their appreciation for Jeff's efforts. With the help from the event supporters, Keeping Tradition Alive organizers raffled a custom set of McCallum bagpipes and were able to donate over $3,500 to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.
The Foundation is proud of our brother Jeff and his passion to keep others safe and for his willingness to share this story with others. We are grateful to the organizers and supporters of Keeping Tradition Alive for their support and for honoring the sacrifices made on Black Sunday.
The Sterling Rope Company, Inc. announced on March 1, 2017 via its Facebook page that it would be donating $1 from the sale of new FCX self-rescue device to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is committed to providing personal safety systems and training to fire departments in need. We achieve this by awarding grants for personal safety bailout systems for firefighters, and offering seminars taught by world class instructors. We hope there’s a day where every firefighter has a way out. And no family, department or community suffers the devastating impact of another “Black Sunday.”
"Thank you to Sterling Rope Company for its generous contributions to the Foundation. You have been a supporter of the Foundation from the beginning and we thank you for honoring Joey's memory by helping others. Together, we're working to save firefighter lives," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President. The Foundation has awarded over $118,000 in grants to departments in need of personal life safety rope systems.
Visit sterlingrope.com to learn more about the Sterling Rope Company, Inc.
The lack of safety gear for the Port Authority's Suicide Prevention Team outraged retired FDNY Deputy Chief Joseph DiBernardo so much that he told The News he’d pay for the harnesses out of his own pocket.
You can show your support for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and challenge friends to do the same with a Joey D Challenge Coin for only $15. There are two styles to choose from:
- Foundation Logo Coin
- Joey D Photo Coin
Please complete this form and mail with payment to:
Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, PO BOX 47, Setauket, NY, 11733
For additional information contact us at 1-855-4JOEYDI or E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Download the Order Form
Remember Joey and show your support for the Foundation by sporting our Joey D Memorial T-shirt. Donations benefit the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation which provides fire departments in need with safety training and personal life safety systems.
Please complete at the link below and mail with payment to:
Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, PO BOX 47, Setauket, NY, 11733
For additional information contact us at 1-855-4JOEYDI or E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Buy Your T-Shirt Online
https://joeydfoundation.org/donate/merchandise
“I wanted to let you know, I just started working at the Flower Mound Fire Department and was speaking with one of the battalion chiefs today. We were talking about great hero stories and he started talking about one of the greatest stories of brotherhood he knows. I couldn't believe it when he knew your son Joey's story. He said Jeff Cool came and spoke with them, they now have bail out bags because of his story. Our battalion chief said he wanted you to know Joey's death was not in vain, his story has impacted and changed the fire service everywhere including right here in Flower Mound, Texas.”
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is proud to announce that 88 personal life safety rope systems have been awarded to four U.S. fire departments in need as part of our grant program.
The 2016 grant recipients include: Pennsburg Fire Department (Pennsburg, PA); Northeast Fire and Rescue Company (Summerdale, PA); Livermore Fire and Rescue Department (Livermore, ME); and the Palmyra Township Fire Department (Diamond, OH).
"We hope that one day, every firefighter will have a personal safety rope system as part of their PPE, so they can safely escape a fire," says Chief Joseph DiBernardo, Joey’s father and Foundation president. Established in Joey’s memory in 2012, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation trains firefighters and provide grants to departments in need of life-saving equipment throughout the United States and Canada.
To learn more about the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation’s grant program for personal life safety rope systems visit: www.joeydfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/grants.
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation booth at Firehouse Expo. We saw many good friends and met a lot of new people during our time in Nashville. You're helping us providing personal safety systems and training to fire departments in need. Togther, we will ensure that every firefighter has a way out. And no family, department or community suffers the devastating impact of another “Black Sunday.”
Firehouse® has been a supporter of the Foundation since its inception, and a friend to both Joey and Chief DiBernardo. We would again like to thank Firehouse® for their continued support and for inviting us to exhibit at this year's Firehouse Expo.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, established in 2012, “carries on Joey’s legacy by training firefighters and providing personal life safety rope systems to departments in the United States and Canada which do not have the means to provide this important life-saving equipment,” says Chief Joe DiBernardo. Our Foundation achieves its mission by holding training events that promote firefighter safety and raises funds to support its grant program. Our annual seminar provides training to firefighters from across the country and will allow the Foundation to help departments and firefighters throughout North America to stay safe.
The Firehouse® brand includes a comprehensive integrated marketing platform serving the nation’s first responders. This portfolio of industry-leading properties provides an unparalleled audience reach for public safety with print, online, mobile and event properties including: Firehouse, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World.
Memorial Training Seminar Supports Grant Program to Provide Firefighters With Safety Equipment
Almost five years after his passing, firefighters from across the country will come together at the Hilton Garden Inn in Stony Brook, NY to hone their skills, support a great cause, and to remember FDNY Lt. Joey DiBernardo. The 4th Annual Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Seminar held on November 4-5, 2016 will benefit the Foundation's grant program for personal life safety systems.
“The thing Joey loved most in the world was going to fires; his next passion was training firefighters,” Chief Joe DiBernardo, Joey’s dad and Foundation President recalls. Joey was a fire service instructor, but he was also a student. He knew that constant both training and fireground experience would help him be a great firefighter. His passion for training made him a great instructor and advocate for firefighter safety, which he shared with firefighters all over the world.
So that is why the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, established in 2012, carries on his legacy by training firefighters and providing firefighter safety equipment. Since 2012, grants totaling nearly $85,000 have already been awarded to departments in need of personal safety sytsems. "Our hope is to prevent another tragedy from happening. We thank all of the firefighters and supporters from across the country who are honoring our son and helping this Foundation protect the firefighting community," says Chief DiBernardo.
During the seminar, firefighters have the unique opportunity to talk one-on-one with their instructors at a special networking event. This event also includes a special presentation, to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of September 11th. FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas, who led his Ladder 6 crew into the World Trade Center to rescue trapped civilians on September 11, 2001, will share his harrowing story of survival. On the Saturday, a full day of classroom training will include: Engine Company Operations, Store Fire Tactics, and Practical Search Operations in Residential Buildings.
Sign up for the seminar at www.joeydfoundation.org/seminars/2016-seminar or visit www.joeydfoundation.org to learn how you can show your support.
Come by our Booth #1230 to learn more about our grant and training programs.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is pleased to partner with Firehouse® again in 2016 to raise awareness and funds for the important work of keeping firefighters safe. Firehouse® has been a supporter of the Foundation since its inception, and a friend to both Joey and Chief DiBernardo.
We would like to thank Firehouse® for their continued support and for inviting us to exhibit at this year's Firehouse Expo.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, established in 2012, “carries on Joey’s legacy by training firefighters and providing personal life safety rope systems to departments in the United States and Canada which do not have the means to provide this important life-saving equipment,” says Chief Joe DiBernardo. Our Foundation achieves its mission by holding training events that promote firefighter safety and raises funds to support its grant program. An annual seminar provides training to firefighters from across the country and will allow the Foundation to help departments and firefighters throughout North America to stay safe.
The Firehouse® brand includes a comprehensive integrated marketing platform serving the nation’s first responders. This portfolio of industry-leading properties provides an unparalleled audience reach for public safety with print, online, mobile and event properties including: Firehouse, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Nashville!
Humidor/Memento Box Raffle to Benefit the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation
Take a chance on this one-of-a-kind, hand crafted humidor/memento box made by Chief Mike Nugent at Black Pearl Woodworks. This box made especially for the Foundation, features the FDNY Rescue Co. 3 logo, with a Maltese Cross inlay, Joey’s name, and an inscription honoring “Our Brother” and “Our Friend.” Retail value of the box is $300.
What better way to remember Joey and this year’s seminar?
Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20. Winner will be selected at the end of the 2016 seminar in November. You do not need to be present to win. You will receive your raffle numbers upon purchase.
And the Winner is...Carl Gardiner Exeter, Rhode Island!
Thank you to everyone who took a chance in 2016.
Your support of the Leary Firefighters Foundation provides support to fire departments and organizations like ours by providing equipment, technology, and training. For every dollar donated during the month of May, up to $100,000, the makers of Guinness will give a matching dollar to Leary Firefighters Foundation in support of firefighters.
» Learn more about how you can celebrate International Firefighters' Day
