Friends of Firefighters

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FDNY (Fire Department of New York) FIREFIGHTERS RISK THEIR LIVES FOR US DAILY: Last year alone FDNY firefighters responded to 26,531 structural fires, of which 8 to 10 a day qualified as serious June 2015 was the first month in FDNY's 150-year history in which not a single person was killed in a fire In 2014 FDNY firefighters responded to:  15,512 non-structural fires, such as rubbish or automobile 2,504 serious fires (ranging from “All Hands”, when a minimum of four units are needed, to “5th Alarm”, when 44 units and 198 firefighters are dispatched) 226,724 emergencies that were not fire or medical related 231,122 medical, life-threatening emergencies 19,909 malicious false alarms where no one reported an emergency THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE AFFECTED AS A RESULT: 44% of national line-of-duty firefighter deaths from 1995 to 2004 were heart-related; contributing factors include smoke and exertion Studies have found that as many as 37% of firefighters nationally may exhibit symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) 108 known firefighters from across the country took their own lives in 2014. Loss of one’s own life is an ever-present occupational risk for firefighters; as a consequence, the capability for suicide among firefighters may be further evolved.   THE NEED: "The thinking is, ‘We’re called on to help everyone else—we aren’t the ones who should need the help.' No one wants to admit that they have a concern or an issue. But the cumulative effect of what we see in the fire service day to day, without having a way to offload some of that stuff, is obviously becoming a larger issue." - Ken Holland, a first responder for 22 years MEETING THE NEED: Friends of Firefighters provides free, confidential, and independent mental health and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families. With your support we can continue to meet their needs. Thank you for making a generous gift today.   Or mail your contribution to 199 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Checks should be made out to Friends of Firefighters Friends of Firefighters is dedicated to addressing the physical, mental health and wellness needs of New York City's firefighters. Our ongoing mission is to provide long-term support and services through confidential counseling, wellness services, and other assistance required by firefighters and their families. If you or a family member would like to know more about our services, contact us. 199 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 t: 718.643.0980   f: 718.643.1240 e: info@friendsoffirefighters.org   w: www.friendsoffirefighters.org      Photo Credits: FDNY Photo Unit Friends of Firefighters is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Upon request, a copy of our most recent financial report may be obtained by writing to us at 199 Van Brunt Street, NY 11231 or by writing to the NYS Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, at 120 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10271.