The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is proud to announce our 2022 Grant Recipients for the purchase of Personal Safety Systems, Safety Equipment and the requisite Training. 15 Departments across America will receive a total of $166,078.00 for the purchase of 278 Systems. The recipients are Ashland MA, Benton Harbor MI, Clinton SC, Ft. ...
We are proud to announce our 2021 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Grants to fire departments. These grants will provide Personal Safety Systems (PSS) to firefighters.
Our 2021 grantees include:
In partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation:» Northwood Fire Department (NY)
» Center Harbor Fire Rescue (NH)
» Quincy Fire Department (MA)
In Partnership with Fire Hooks Unlimited:» Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Department (CT)
» Midway Fire/Rescue (KY)
» Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company (PA)
» Satellite Beach Fire Department (FL)
» Washington County Fire & EMS (VA)
Now in it its eight year, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $694,353 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 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.
We are proud to announce our 2020 Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation Grants to fire departments. These grants will provide Personal Safety Systems (PSS) to firefighters.
Our 2020 grantees include:
In partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation:» Village of Spring Valley
Volunteer Fire Department (NY)
» Ventnor City Fire Department (NJ)
» Port Jervis Fire Department (NY)
In Partnership with Fire Hooks Unlimited:» City of Erie Fire Department (PA)
» Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS (CT)
» Borough of Prospect Park Fire Department (NJ)
» South Hutchinson Fire Department (KS)
» Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Department (TN)
» East 52 Celina Volunteer Fire Department (TN)
» Mansfield Fire Department (OH)
» Sabattus Fire Department (ME)
» Central Stickney Fire Protection District (IL)
» Town of Dover Fire Department (NJ)
» Westfall Township Fire Department (PA)
» Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department (PA)
Now in it its seventh year, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation grant program has awarded over $610,000 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 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.
Funding provided in partnership with the Fire Hooks Unlimited In late 2019, Ventnor City Fire Department (NJ) 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 Unlimi...
In late 2019, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation awarded the Pleasantdale Fire District (NY) a grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $8,340, will provide 20 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out. "The need for the systems is a re...
In late 2019, the Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS (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, will provide department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“The hazards of under-staffing have placed our firefighters in danger on many occasions. They are working inside the structure in the early stages of the incident when they are in the most potential danger. Rapidly changing fire conditions can trap firefighters with an exterior window or roof being the only exit path. A personal safety system (PSS) could prevent a tragic outcome for our firefighters in this situation,” says Chief David Billings. “Thank you for all of your efforts to prevent firefighter injuries or deaths. This is an outstanding tribute to the legacy of Joey D!”
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 Pleasantdale Fire District (NY) a grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $8,340, will provide 20 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“The need for the systems is a requirement for the PSS law for the firefighters from New York State. Our firefighters respond mutual aid to other districts which have three story buildings. Currently, they do not have any personal safety systems to affectively complete a self - rescue from a building,” they reported in their grant application.
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.
In late 2019, Ventnor City Fire Department (NJ) 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 25 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“The Ventnor City Fire Department experienced a line-of-duty death in December of 1972 when Firefighter Kenneth Wayland, trapped in an apartment on the fourth floor of a high rise, was forced to jump out a window,” remembers Deputy Chief Brady Middlesworth. “This grant allows the department to issue to its members a safety device and training that would be otherwise unavailable at the present time due to economic factors beyond our control.”
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 Leominster Fire-Rescue Department (MA) received its second 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. Two grants provided 84 department members with PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“The department sincerely thanks the Leary Firefighters foundation and the Joey D Foundation for all of their efforts to give each respected department the means and training to obtain this vital lifesaving system,” says Chief Robert A. Sideleau II.
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 Leary Firefighters Foundation In late 2019, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation awarded the Leominster Fire-Rescue Department (MA) received its second grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $12,000, was provided by the Foundation in partn...
Grant funding provided in partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation In late 2019, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation awarded the Wales Fire Department (MA) a grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $3,540, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Leary Firefight...
In late 2019, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation awarded the Wales Fire Department (MA) a grant for personal safety systems (PSS) and related training. This grant, in the amount of $3,540, was provided by the Foundation in partnership with the Leary Firefighters Foundation, will provide 10 PSS and training they need to escape if there are no other ways out.
“Before the addition of the 10 units, we were only able to attach our current bail out kits to our SCBA harnesses on our attack engine, this ensured that all interior firefighters would have access to them in case of emergency,” notes Captain Ed Fisher. “Though they provided protection, it was not the best scenario, as the kits were not personally assigned and maintained. With the new units we have assigned all bail out kits to our interior firefighters, and they can have a piece of mind knowing their personal protection is in their hands.”
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.
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/.
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.
