NEW YORK -- More than 2,000 New York City first responders who were severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy will receive assistance from funds now being administered by the New York City Police Foundation and FDNY Foundation.
The funds, made possible by a generous gift of over $2.3 million by Emigrant Bank and its Chairman, Mr. Howard P. Milstein, will go to first responders who tirelessly served the public while their own homes and families were severely affected by the storm.
The funds are being distributed in time for the holidays, which is the intent of Mr. Milstein's gift. Mr. Milstein is a longtime friend and supporter of both departments.
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said, "This is another outstanding expression of support for our first responders by someone who has always been there for them. As a longtime contributor to the New York City Police Foundation, Howard Milstein was instrumental in helping that organization establish a counseling program with Columbia University for police officers affected by September 11th. This incredibly generous gift will help ease the burden on thousands of police officers and firefighters, who continued to save others during Hurricane Sandy even as they suffered catastrophic damage to their homes."
New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said, "Howard Milstein has once again proven himself to be a true friend to all first responders. After September 11th, he opened his hotels and buildings in Manhattan to FDNY members engaged in the difficult rescue and recovery work. Now, after the worst storm our city has ever experienced, his extraordinary gift will help our members repair the homes they lost that night, when they selflessly put the needs of others before their own and bravely responded to perform rescues in flooded neighborhoods and from burning homes."
"These brave members of the NYPD and FDNY worked tirelessly serving the public throughout the storm while many of their own homes and families were deeply affected," said Susan Birnbaum, New York City Police Foundation President and CEO. "It is the least we can do to provide some assistance and relief to these heroes during the holiday season. We are especially grateful to Howard Milstein for his extraordinary generosity."
"The FDNY Foundation is honored that Howard Milstein has graciously offered financial assistance to members of the Department who have lost so much during the storm," said FDNY Foundation Executive Director Jean O'Shea.
"Most important of all, this generous gift is expeditiously arriving to our Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics; so that they receive the funds at a time when they need them most."
Contributions to the funds can be made at www.nycpolicefoundation.org or www.fdnyfoundation.org. The New York City Police Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1971 by business and civic leaders to support programs connected with the NYPD that cannot otherwise be readily funded. The Foundation sponsors programs such as Crime Stoppers, the International Liaison Program and Gun Stop in addition to supporting NYPD2020, an operational plan to continually innovate the NYPD through technology, collaboration, talent development and safe city initiatives.
The FDNY Foundation is the official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the New York City Fire Department. The funds raised assist the FDNY in its mission to prevent and respond to fires, medical emergencies, disasters and terrorist acts, protecting the lives and property of residents and visitors in New York City. The FDNY Foundation funds programs to help meet the Department's training, equipment, and education needs. www.fdnyfoundation.org.