FOR THE BRAVEST

NY Post: January 27, 2005 -- In this Age of Terror, New York — like America itself — is more reliant than ever on the courage and selflessness of its uniformed heroes.
And it is grateful that so many good men and women have answered the call and put on a uniform, be it in the military, law enforcement or firefighting.

Three of those heroes, from the FDNY, perished in the line of duty Sunday: Lt. Curtis Meyran and firefighters John Bellew and Richard Sclafani.

Four other firefighters were critically injured and are fighting for their lives.

So New Yorkers' desire to aid their families is motivated not just by good-hearted, charitable impulses, but also by feelings of gratitude — a moral obligation in light of the enormous sacrifice these men, and their families, have made.

It is in that spirit that The Post joins the Uniformed Firefighters Association in establishing a fund for the benefit of all seven families. The Post will make an initial contribution of $25,000.

The Heroes Fund "will be a tremendous financial lift" for these folks, UFA President Steve Cassidy said.

Many, he said, "are worried about the future of their children and their ability to pay medical bills."

Cassidy said proceeds from the fund — 100 percent of which is to go directly to the families — will provide "a tremendous emotional lift," demonstrating "how much New Yorkers and people across the country care about the sacrifices these men made."

In the wake of the horrors of last Sunday, the city must respond.

The Post urges readers, and all those who rely on the everyday heroism of those in uniform, to give as generously as possible to this fund.

Donations can be sent to the Heroes Fund, c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 E. 23d St., New York, N.Y. 10010. Phone inquiries may be directed to Sheila Pettit at the UFA, (212) 545-6962.

Donate to the Heroes Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------UNION AND POST LAUNCH FUND FOR COMRADES' KIN

By MARSHA KRANES
 
NY POST January 27, 2005 -- The New York Post today is launching a special Uniformed Firefighters Association fund to help the families of the three city firemen killed in the line of duty last Sunday, and the four who are still fighting for their lives.
To get the fund started, The Post has made a $25,000 donation to the UFA.

"The Heroes Fund will be a tremendous financial lift for the seven families, many of whom are worried about the future of their children and their ability to pay medical bills long into the future," said UFA President Steve Cassidy. "I believe it also will be a tremendous emotional lift for the seven families to know how much New Yorkers and people across the country care about the sacrifices these men made."

The UFA will administer and manage all facets of the fund — and "100 percent of the money will go to the families," Cassidy said.

The union will divide it evenly with no deduction for administrative expenses, he said, adding, "New York's Bravest are grateful to The Post for leading the effort to give back to these firefighters and their families."

Mary Cawley, the aunt of critically injured firefighter Brendan Cawley, called the fund "a wonderful gesture on the part of The Post and the firefighters union — a wonderful gesture."

Post VP and general manager Geoff Booth said the fund will allow New Yorkers to show their appreciation.

"The prayers and sympathies of all of us at The Post go out to the loved ones of these fallen heroes," he said. "And the Heroes Fund will allow us and all our readers an opportunity to show it."

A special bank account for the Heroes Fund has been set up at the Amalgamated Bank of New York. Credit-card contributions can't be accepted.

Donations will not be tax deductible "because of certain limitations contained within IRS rules," Cassidy said.

Telephone inquiries about the fund should be directed to Sheila Pettit at the UFA, at (212) 545-6962.

Donations should be sent to the Heroes Fund, c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 E. 23rd St., New York, N.Y. 10010.