Funding provided in partnership with the Fire Hooks Unlimited In late 2019, the City of Erie (PA) Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Fire Hooks Un...
In late 2019, the City of Erie (PA) Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Fire Hooks Unlimited. Grant funding will provide 46 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
"We experienced a close call in 2017 when a lieutenant and a firefighter from a ladder company were caught in a dangerous position during a primary search of a second floor and attic, but became cut off by heavy smoke and a sudden fire extension…Although the lieutenant had located an exit, they were not equipped with safety rope systems that could have been used in this serious situation," recalls Chief Guy Santone. "With substantial deficits facing the City of Erie, our department did not have the financial capability to purchase personal safety rope systems."
Over the last six years, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $472,000 to departments in need. Established in Joey’s memory in 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation holds firefighter training events that support its grant program. It also relies on the generous support of our sponsors and partners to help train and equip firefighters.
In 2005, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo, known to his friends and colleagues as “Joey D,” was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire where two firefighters perished, and three others were also badly injured. A personal safety rope system, carried by fellow Rescue 3 Firefighter Jeff Cool, helped both Joey and Jeff to escape the flames by lowering themselves as far as they could from the four-story jump. After the incident, Joey traveled around the country training firefighters and sharing his story to help other firefighters. His foundation will continue this work, helping firefighters in the United States and Canada.
"Thanks to everyone who has supported the Foundation and its mission to keep firefighters safe. Together we carry on Joey's legacy and work to prevent other tragedies from occurring. We’re grateful to all of our grant partners, sponsors, and donors for their generosity," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and Joey's father.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will continue to train firefighters and provide grants to departments to ensure the safety of firefighters across 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 or to apply visit: www.joeydfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/grants.
Grant funding provided in partnership with the Bird's Eye View Project In late 2019, the Norwich Fire Department (CT) was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Bird's Ey...
In late 2019, the Norwich Fire Department (CT) was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Bird’s Eye View Project. Grant funding will provide 24 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“The need for personal safety rope systems (PSS) was brought to the forefront for the Norwich Fire Department in November of 2008 when the department responded to a fire in an occupied multiple family dwelling. Advanced fire conditions were present on arrival. One captain and one firefighter became lost and disoriented while conducting a search on the third floor,” recalls Firefighter Christopher Paige. “While the trapped members waited for a ladder to be thrown, they had depleted their air supply. As the tip of the ladder met the building, the first firefighter began a headfirst descent over the ladder. As he was pushed out the window by worsening conditions, he lost his grip on the ladder and fell three stories to the concrete below. While the captain was waiting for the firefighter to exit over the ladder, he then consumed the last breath of his air in his cylinder. In an attempt to survive and escape, he removed his facepiece at the window. He was immediately overcome with smoke and passed out at the sill before he was removed by members assisting from outside.”
Over the last six years, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $472,000 to departments in need. Established in Joey’s memory in 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation holds firefighter training events that support its grant program. It also relies on the generous support of our sponsors and partners to help train and equip firefighters.
In 2005, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo, known to his friends and colleagues as “Joey D,” was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire where two firefighters perished and three others were also badly injured. A personal safety rope system, carried by fellow Rescue 3 Firefighter Jeff Cool, helped both Joey and Jeff to escape the flames by lowering themselves as far as they could from the four-story jump. After the incident, Joey traveled around the country training firefighters and sharing his story to help other firefighters. His foundation will continue this work, helping firefighters in the United States and Canada.
"Thanks to everyone who has supported the Foundation and its mission to keep firefighters safe. Together we carry on Joey's legacy and work to prevent other tragedies from occurring. We’re grateful to all of our grant partners, sponsors, and donors for their generosity," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and Joey's father.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will continue to train firefighters and provide grants to departments to ensure the safety of firefighters across 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 or to apply visit: www.joeydfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/grants.
Grant funding provided in partnership with the Bird's Eye View Project In late 2019, the Eynon-Sturges Volunteer Hose Company #3, in Eynon, Pennsylvania, was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $11,995, was provided by the Foundati...
In late 2019, the Eynon-Sturges Volunteer Hose Company #3, in Eynon, Pennsylvania, was awarded a grant from the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $11,995, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Bird’s Eye View Project.
“The Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, in partnership with the Bird’s Eye View Project, allowed us to outfit 18 of our interior firefighters with the equipment necessary to survive the worst-case scenario,” notes Eynon-Sturges Training Officer John Rebovich.
Over the last six years, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $472,000 to departments in need. Established in Joey’s memory in 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation holds firefighter training events that support its grant program. It also relies on the generous support of our sponsors and partners to help train and equip firefighters.
In 2005, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo, known to his friends and colleagues as “Joey D,” was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire where two firefighters perished and three others were also badly injured. A personal safety rope system, carried by fellow Rescue 3 Firefighter Jeff Cool, helped both Joey and Jeff to escape the flames by lowering themselves as far as they could from the four-story jump. After the incident, Joey traveled around the country training firefighters and sharing his story to help other firefighters. His foundation will continue this work, helping firefighters in the United States and Canada.
"Thanks to everyone who has supported the Foundation and its mission to keep firefighters safe. Together we carry on Joey's legacy and work to prevent other tragedies from occurring. We’re grateful to all of our grant partners, sponsors, and donors for their generosity," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and Joey's father.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will continue to train firefighters and provide grants to departments to ensure the safety of firefighters across 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 or to apply visit: www.joeydfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/grants.
In late 2019, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation awarded the Port Jervis Fire Department (NY) a grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation. Grant funding will provide 21 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“Providing for the safety of our firefighters is paramount, as well as providing them the proper tools. The generosity of the Lieutenant Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation gets us closer to achieving these goals,” notes Chief Dominic M. Cicalese of the Port Jervis Fire Department.
Over the last six years, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $472,000 to departments in need. Established in Joey’s memory in 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation holds firefighter training events that support its grant program. It also relies on the generous support of our sponsors and partners to help train and equip firefighters.
In 2005, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo, known to his friends and colleagues as “Joey D,” was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire where two firefighters perished and three others were also badly injured. A personal safety rope system, carried by fellow Rescue 3 Firefighter Jeff Cool, helped both Joey and Jeff to escape the flames by lowering themselves as far as they could from the four-story jump. After the incident, Joey traveled around the country training firefighters and sharing his story to help other firefighters. His foundation will continue this work, helping firefighters in the United States and Canada.
In August 2012, New York Governor Cuomo, signed into law a measure to require that New York firefighters be equipped with personal safety rope systems or emergency escape systems in the event they become trapped in an elevated structure fire.
"Thanks to everyone who has supported the Foundation and its mission to keep firefighters safe. Together we carry on Joey's legacy and work to prevent other tragedies from occurring. We’re grateful to all of our grant partners, sponsors, and donors for their generosity," says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and Joey's father.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will continue to train firefighters and provide grants to departments to ensure the safety of firefighters across 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 or to apply visit: www.joeydfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/grants/.
Affordable Drill Towers teamed up with TEEX, Williamson County ESD #3 (Hutto Fire Rescue), Bastrop County ESD #2, and some of the top fire instructors in the U.S. for it's 2020 Winter Training Event.
The event, held on January 18-19, 2020, benefited the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.
This weekend, Steve Sanguedolce presented a check to the DiBernardo family for $5,000 for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.
"Mrs. D, it is us that are honored and feel fortunate to be in a position to contribute to such a worthy charity. You, Chief D (Joe DiBernardo), Kevin, and the rest of the Joey D Foundation are doing such a great thing; not only preserving Joey’s legacy, but saving other firefighters lives through the grant program," says Steve Sanguedolce, CEO/President of Affordable Drill Towers.
Thank you to Steve Sanguedolce, Affordable Drill Towers, TEEX, Williamson County ESD #3, Bastrop County ESD #2, all of the instructors, and students who supported this event!
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is honored and pleased to announce that we have once again been selected as a Bird’s Eye View Project charity partner.
The Bird’s Eye View Project showcases a series of events that raise awareness and funding for charities that impact the lives of veterans and first responders. Their mission is to bridge the growing divide between those who serve and those who benefit from their service, by encouraging all Americans to “support those who support us.” In keeping with this mission, the Bird’s Eye View Project has announced its new charity partners for 2020 - 2022, which include:
• Sons of The Flag
• Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation
• One More Wave
• America’s Defenders
• Gratitude Initiative
“We are happy to be amongst this great group of organizations that support our military and first responders. The Lt. Joseph P. DiBerarndo Memorial Foundation is grateful to Former Navy SEAL Ryan ‘Birdman’ Parrott, U.S.M.C. First Sergeant Mitch Arnold (Ret.), and the entire Bird’s Eye View Project team for their continued support of our mission to keep firefighters safe,” said Chief Joe DiBernardo. “Their assistance brings much needed awareness and support for our important work.”
In 2019, Bird's Eye View Project's Walk the Walk 100 raised $3,000 for our work. Bird's Eye View Project Board Member Sam Williamson made it a personal extreme mission to walk 100 miles from Waco to Dallas, Texas in support of veterans and first responders.
Since 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation has provided over $472,000 in grant funds to keep firefighters safe. We believe, firefighters can’t save lives, if they too become trapped by fire. On the fireground, firefighters need to be prepared for anything and sometimes they just need another way out. That’s why the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation provides Personal Safety Systems (PSS) and training to fire departments in need. This important safety equipment and training helps them safely exit multi-story buildings through a window if there are no other means of escape.
“You’re not just doing phenomenal things, but you’re changing lives.” says Mitch Arnold, Executive Director of the Bird’s Eye View Project. “We love being just a small part of the change that’s happening in the lives of our veterans and first responders.”
Check out the great work being done by the Bird’s Eye View Project and its partners at: www.birdseyeviewproject.org.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is proud to announce that nine fire departments across the U.S. have been awarded over $97,000. Through 2019 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program, these departments will benefit from 224 new Personal Safety Systems (PSS) and related training to keep them safe.
Our 2019 grantees include:
- City of Erie Fire Department (PA)
- Eynon/Sturges Volunteer Hose Company #3 (PA)
- Leominster Fire Department (MA)
- Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS (CT)
- Norwich Fire Department (CT)
- Pleasantdale Fire Department (NY)
- Port Jervis Fire Department (NY)
- Ventnor City Fire Department (NJ)
- Wales Fire Department (MA)
Now in it its sixth year, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $472,000 to departments in need. Established in Joey’s memory in 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation holds training events that promote firefighter to raise funds to support its grant program. It also relies on the generous support of our sponsors and partners to help train and equip firefighters.
In 2005, Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo, known to his friends and colleagues as “Joey D,” was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire where two firefighters died, and three others were also badly injured. A personal safety rope system, carried by fellow Rescue 3 Firefighter Jeff Cool, helped both Joey and Jeff to escape the flames by lowering themselves as far as they could from the four-story jump. After the incident, Joey traveled around the country training firefighters and sharing his story to help other firefighters. His foundation will continue this work, helping firefighters in the United States and Canada.
"Our Foundation’s grant program works to prevent another ‘Black Sunday’ from occurring. With support from our grant partners, sponsors, and donors we not only keep more firefighters safe, but we honor Joey’s legacy. My family and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Foundation and our work over the years,” says Chief Joe DiBernardo, Foundation President and Joey's father.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation will continue to train firefighters and provide grants to departments to ensure the safety of firefighters across 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 or to apply visit: www.joeydfoundation.org.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, #HeroesChanceDay, you can celebrate a fallen FDNY firefighter and give a lifeline and training to a firefighter in need.
Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation just earned a 2019 Bronze Seal of Transparency by adding information to our nonprofit profile on GuideStar.
Now our community members as well as 10+ million GuideStar users can find out more about our mission and programs.
Plus, we’ve provided fresh information to 200+ charitable websites and applications that use GuideStar data, such as AmazonSmile, Facebook, and Network for Good.
What do you think? Check out our profile and Bronze Seal of Transparency at www.guidestar.org/Profile/9246042
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Foundation Center and GuideStar have joined forces to become a new nonprofit called Candid. Learn more at candid.org.
A long time ago, there was a little boy who wanted to be a fireman. His dream came true 24 years ago today...October 15, 1995. He, along with 200+ in the class of 1995, raised his hand and took an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the City of New York. Unfortunately, this little boy's firefighting years where cut short after only 10 years on the job...but, what a 10 years it was...probably, the happiest of his life. So, here's to Joey and the others from that class of 1995. For those no longer with us, rest in peace!! For those still on the job, stay safe!!
This one-of-a-kind 2019 Joey D Seminar humidor made especially for the Foundation, was hand crafted by Chief Mike Nugent at Black Pearl Woodworks. The humidor features the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation logo and a quote from FDNY Chief Edward F. Croker from 1910. It reads:
“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the firefighter has to do believe that his is a noble calling. There is an adage which says that, "Nothing can be destroyed except by fire." We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor. We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of mankind. (But, above all; our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men-the work of God Himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society.”
Retail value of the humidor is $400. All donations benefit the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, which provides grants to fire departments in need.
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Tony Bruno, FDNY (Ret.) of the for winning the 2019 Humidor Raffle
Donations benefit the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation This one-of-a-kind 2019 Joey D Seminar humidor made especially for the Foundation, was hand crafted by Chief Mike Nugent at Black Pearl Woodworks. The humidor features the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation logo and a quote from FDNY Chief Edward F. Croker from 1910. It re...
Through the generous support of the Bird’s Eye View Project (BEVP), the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is able to provide training and equipment to firefighters in need throughout North America. We are excited to partner with them on their newest extreme sporting event, Walk the Walk 100. BEVP Board Member Sam Williamson is taking on this personal extreme mission to serve veterans and first responders who have and continue to serve us. On October 26 - 27, 2019, Sam’s personal journey is to raise $100,000 by walking 100 miles from Waco to Dallas, Texas.
This 100 mile trek will be divided into sections dedicated to each of the 2019 BEVP charities, including the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.
Join us in cheering Sam on in his journey to help those who serve us every day. Please show your support and share with your family and friends. You can follow Sam's training and live streaming of his journey online at: birdseyeviewproject.givingfuel.com/walk-the-walk-100
View the Sponsorship Opportunities for Walk the Walk 100
We will be raffling off some donated items at the Second Annual Fire Department Volleyball Fundraiser on July 25, 2019. You will find new items listed in this post leading up to the tournament. Chances are $5 each or five for $20. You do not need to be present to win.
Raffle Items
Maia Salon Spa & Wellness Package
Fire Hooks Black Maxx
The Fire Hooks Unlimited Black Maxx is a hybrid sledge/maul featuring 10 lb. pound striking-force head with a pointed pike/edged cutter. The Black Maxx works well with a baseball style swing for easy forcible entry and can also provide an instant foot hold when the pointed end is sunk into a slanted or pitched roof.
The handle features an embossed thermo-rubber grip and a rubber over-strike guard that also doubles as a guide for hand placement. The Fire Hooks Unlimited Black Maxx might just become your favorite one-stop shop tool for forcible entry, roof work, ventilation and overhaul. The Black Maxx is built tough to handle your toughest fire ground jobs. And the edged pike has a notch that allows you to marry a 30” Pro Bar Halligan so you can carry both tools together!
• 10 lb. Head
• 11.5 lbs. Overall weight
• Reinforced fiberglass handle
• Overstrike guard
• Cutting edge on pike for chopping and cutting
• Notched pike for Halligan marrying
FDNY Lt. Dan Gordon received the Company Officer Association Medal at FDNY's Annual Medal Day ceremony for the rescue of two adults and four children from a Bronx tenement fire.
Lt. Gordon will be teaching Forcible Entry at the 2019 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Seminar in November.
Congratulations to Lt. Dan!
FDNY Lt. Dan Gordon received the Company Officer Association Medal at FDNY's Annual Medal Day ceremony for the rescue of two adults and four children from a Bronx tenement fire. Lt. Gordon will be teaching Forcible Entry at the 2019 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Seminar in November. Congratulations to Lt. Dan!
View the new HOT class line up for 2019 and lecture series with FDNY Lieutenants Jason Brezler and Michael Ciampo, with a special keynote by Battalion Chief John Cagno (Ret.).
