Each year, Fire Science students at Lambton College in Ontario, Canada, participate in a group project where they research and present on significant fires. FDNY Black Sunday is just one of the topics students can choose and each class has responded to the project differently. In a previous year, students built this scale replica of the apartment from that fateful day. This year, one group project included the following summary of the event relating specifically to Joey:
Joey DiBernardo was riding with Rescue 3 on Black Sunday. Rescue 3 was dispatched to a structure fire in a 4 story apartment building in the Bronx.
DiBernardo was performing a search with one other firefighter from Rescue 3 and four firefighters from Ladder 27 on the 4th floor, above the fire. Lack of water allowed the conditions within the building to escalate until the firefighters were forced to exit through the 4th story windows. There was no time to have ladders raised to the windows and 4 of the firefighters jumped from the the 4th story into a small, below-grade alleyway behind the building.
DiBernardo and Jeff Cool, from Rescue 3, remained in the building. Cool threw one end of an escape rope to DiBernardo with the intent to lower him to the ground from the adjacent window. DiBernardo refused to be lowered down first because he knew Cool had a wife and kids, while Joey was single. DiBernardo wrapped the rope around his arm and waist in an attempt to self-belay Cool to safety, but when Cool leapt out of the window, he lost his grasp on the rope landing in the alley below and suffering severe injuries.
DiBernardo then tied the escape rope to a child safety guard and attempted to lower himself to the ground. According the DiBernardo’s account, the rope broke causing him to also fall to the alleyway below, breaking almost all of the bones from his waist down. DiBernardo’s recovery was a long process. He fought for his life in the hospital, battling his injuries as well as respiratory arrest and pneumonia. After leaving the hospital, he spent an extended amount of time in a rehabilitation center learning to walk again. Joey DiBernardo lived the rest of his life in pain and on many medications, eventually passing away on November 22, 2011 as a result of injuries sustained on Black Sunday.
The selfless way that Joey DiBernardo lived and eventually died serves as a testament to the kind of person, firefighter and friend that he was. He was a shining example of what it is to live a life of service to others. In that same way, his family continues to give back to the fire service through the work they do as part of the Joey D Foundation.
"These students are 18-20 years of age," says Professor Scott Brown, "They can’t answer the question, 'Where were you on 9/11?' 9/11 is a history lesson for them." He uses to stories like 9/11 and those of Joey DiBernardo, Jeff Cool, Kevin Shea, and Paddy Brown to teach the next generation of the fire service.
Lambton students also have a chance to visit New York with stops at "The Rock" at Randall’s Island and 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The highlight of the 2018 trip, was meeting up with Retired Rescue 3 Firefighter Tim Brown at the 9/11 Memorial reflecting pools. In March 2018, the students marched up 5th Avenue in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and plan to visit again in March 2019.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and the DiBernardo family thanks Professor Brown and the Fire Science Students at Lambton College for taking the time to study and learn from the Black Sunday Fire and other fires. "Your hard work not only helps prevent similar tragedies from occurring, but it honors those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Thank you for remembering our son in this meaningful way," says Joey's father, Chief Joe DiBernardo.
New York Giants vs Tennessee Titans at Met Life Stadium
Sunday, December 16 at 1 pm
Package includes:
- Four $520 Club Section seats, Value of $2,080
- Free Parking for one car
- Pre-Game On Field Access Passes (unable to purchase)
Congratulations to FDNY Battalion Chief Frank Donnelly (Ret.) who won the New Giants Ticket Package
PIX11 visits the Setauket Fire Department as they look back at one of the deadliest fires for firefighters and the changes that have been made through an organization, which supports crews with lifesaving equipment.
An Inaugural Volley Ball Tournament benefiting the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation was held on the evening of August 23, 2018, at the Holiday Inn Express in Stony Brook, New York. This event, organized by Tanya Lee, Director of Sales and Marketing, for the Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook was great success raising nearly $4,000 for the Foundation. The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation helps train and equip fire departments throughout North America.
Thank you to the Inaugural Volley Ball Tournament host sponsors Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook and Gold Coast Bank, as well as John C. Tsunis, who donated the $1,000 tournament prize.
Fire department teams who competed in this year's tournament included: Centereach, Coram, Terryville, Farmingville, FDNY Ladder Company 120 (Watkins Street), Setauket, Jericho, and who were joined by the team from Gold Coast Bank.
The tournament was won by the members Ladder Company 120, who donated their prize back to the Foundation.
$1,000 prize back to the Foundation. Paul Sabbagh, who won the 50-50, also donated the money back to the Foundation.
We also thank all of the food sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who came out to support the Foundation, including:
• Bagel Express – Setauket
• Chick Fil-A – Port Jefferson Station
• Luigi’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant – East Setauket
• The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Restaurant – Smithtown
• Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook
• Miller’s Ale House in Lake Grove hosted the after party with food and drink specials
• DJ Kevin Nitzsche donated his services.
• Origami Owl
• Vicki Marie Belcher sold the 50/50 tickets
• Ron Monteleone – Fire News Photographer
• Dan Keller from Stony Brook Athletics refereed the tournament
• Leah Dunaief – Publisher, Times Beacon Record served as a judge
• Appearance by Wolfie, the Stony Brook University mascot
Thank you to all of the teams, sponsors, and friends who came out to support the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation!
Captain Bob Farrell, our friend at Fire Hooks Unlimited, continues to show his support for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and the fire service. His generous donation of $20,000 will help the Foundation provide training and personal safety rope systems for firefighters throughout North America.
Bob, a former Navy Frog/UDT man and highly decorated member of FDNY, served at Ladder 31 during the "war years" and the filming of the 1972 TV documentary "Man Alive: The Bronx is Burning." Of his many awards, 19 in all, Bob was awarded the FDNY’s highest medal for bravery - James Gordon Bennett medal. During the 2015 seminar, Bob was one of the “Bronx is Burning” legends who participated in the panel discussion and meet and greet with students. After an historic career with FDNY, Bob went on to become the President/Founder of Fire Hooks Unlimited, designing and manufacturing fire hooks and tools.
"Through Bob's generosity, we can continue to train firefighters in the U.S. and Canada," says Chief DiBernardo, Foundation President. "Bob Farrell is a great friend; we are honored and grateful to have him as a partner the important work of keeping firefighters safe. His philanthropy helps many fire department organizations and causes throughout the country. We thank Bob for honoring Joey's memory and for his caring support of the fire service."
Firefighters in the New York area are encouraged to join us at Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook on Thursday, August 23, 2018, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm for a fire department volleyball tournament to benefit the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation. The Tournament, sponsored Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook and Gold Coast Bank, features special guest judges, corn hole toss, and a great time!
Fire Departments and firefighters can register for $20 per person, which includes food, beverages, and a donation to the Foundation. The winning team will receive $1,000!
Players can meet up at a special after party at Millers Ale House in Lake Grove. There will be food and drink specials and a DJ.
For more information or to register call This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at (631) 471-8000 ext. 709.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation provides fire departments in need with training and personal safety systems. Our wish is that one day every firefighter will have the training and equipment to safely escape a fire.
Joey D Foundation Instructor, Lt. Mickey Conboy, FDNY Rescue Co. 3, is receiving the James Gordon Bennett Medal at the 2018 FDNY Medal Day Ceremony in June. The Gordon Bennett Medal is the highest ranking FDNY medal and is awarded for the most outstanding act of heroism of all the medal winners. We are proud to have Lt. Conboy as a member of our teaching staff and offer our congratulations to him!
By Battalion Chief Gregory G. Sutton
Titusville Fire & Emergency Services
Today our newest personnel received challenge coins signifying the successful completion of their firefighter bailout training. This equipment, this training could one day save their life, but this is not just a “challenge coin.” This coin is one memorializing Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo.
In January 2005, Joey responded to a tenement fire in the Bronx with Rescue 3. This day would come to be known as “Black Sunday” in FDNY history as three firefighters died that day in the line of duty. Due to illegal partitions and blocked fire escapes, Ladder Co. 27 and Rescue 3 became trapped on the top floor of this Bronx tenement. Surrounded by fire with no way out and running out of air, they were forced to jump out the rear windows to the yard five stories below. We have utilized this as a case study when completing the classroom portion of our bailout training to all our personnel since issuing these kits over a year ago.
Joey and the other survivors initiated a campaign for the issuance of personal life safety ropes for all members of FDNY and, as result of this fire, FDNY did re-issue ropes to all its members. Joey and the other survivors regularly spoke out around the country about firefighter safety. Despite his injuries, Joey was also a most popular instructor giving classes across the country.
Joey continued to live in great pain every day of his life from all his injuries and passed away November 22, 2011, as a result of the injuries that he suffered on Black Sunday. We use this tragic story of the untimely deaths of these brave members of FDNY and how the ability to “bailout,” having the personal escape kits is something we can’t take for granted. For had those personnel had those kits that day, the events likely would have been different.
I was honored to have spoken with Lt. DiBernardo’s father, FDNY Chief Joe DiBernardo (Ret.), on the anniversary of Joey's passing. He had called asking about which coins I was requesting to purchase. We were actually performing the bailout training when he called me. I thought it fitting.
He and other family members formed the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation. They continue the memory of Lt. DiBernardo by providing financial grants to departments who may otherwise not be able to equip their personnel with these life-saving kits. It’s through Joeys memory that they strive to help others have the ability to bailout and have the training to do it safely. I can think of no better way to memorialize someone like Lt. DiBernardo. They operate on donations and purchasing of items such as the challenge coins and t shirts.
For more information go to www.joeydfoundation.org.
Our 2017 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Seminar would not have been possible without the assistance of our venue sponsors who welcomed us into their facilities and provided staff support to train firefighters from around the country.
The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation would like to thank the Suffolk County Fire Academy for hosting our firefighters. The facilities were a great setting for our hands-on training and we couldn't have done it without all of the hard work of the staff and instructors who volunteered their time. We would also like to thank the Three Village School District and their employees for making classroom training at R.C. Murphy Junior High School a success.
Please accept our heartfelt thank you for your support and for honoring Joey in such a special way!
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.”
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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.
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.
