“Friends of Firefighters has been of great help to me through their counseling services. Without their help I do not know where I would be today.  FoF provided me with individual counseling, marriage counseling, and anger management which I was desperately in need of.  The events of WTC 9/11/01 pushed me over the boundaries of reckless behavior and logical thinking.  If not for the great staff and the dedication of Nancy Carbone, I feel I might not have made it.  I thank Nancy and FoF for giving me my life back, and my family thanks her too.  My family has their husband, father, and friend again.”

-Anonymous, Retired FDNY

“The Biofeedback mPod is another tool in the tool box– it can help you on the fire floor and at home.”

-Retired Lieutenant, FDNY 27 years of service

“Dear Nancy,

As the 10th anniversary of 9-11 approaches I sincerely hope that these words can find their way onto the web site of Friends of Firefighters.

This past decade has been like no other, and I truly believe that there are so many of us who will always define these last 10 years based upon the tragic events of that one morning, September 11, 2001. Along with the sorrow filled nights, days, weeks, months, and years that have followed.

Without the support of so many, some names we may never know, we are still here, working and living in the greatest city in the world, although many of those that helped us through a time in history, that we will pray never happens again, have long since been taken up, and many of us will be forever grateful.

What I would like to share is that the Friends of Firefighters are still here. Their doors are open. There is coffee in the kitchen. There is comfort in the words discussed in the Firehouse. Your story will be heard or you can listen to others tell theirs. Perhaps you can find the hand you are reaching out for. Or perhaps you can bring your thoughts and care to share with many of the others you will find. You will know who they are; active members of F.D.N.Y. and retired as well, families and friends of firefighters. These doors welcome Police Officer’s of our N.Y.P.D and the members of the E.M.S. and proudly welcome our Military troops and our wounded worriers as they return home to us along with their families. Friends of Firefighter have been there since 2001 and will continue to provide care for years to come. I would to say that I was very lucky that the Friends of Firefighters found me in my time of need and provide all that they could during my post 9-11 surgery. Should you have taken the time to read these words, please know that as a retired Firefighter I can truly say we are very fortunate to have the staff at Friends of Firefighters on watch for us all. I trust you will find the support needed now and after the 10 year anniversary.

-Retired FDNY

“I am a NYC firefighter that has been associated with Friends of Firefighters since its inception. My family and I have received services from Friends of Firefighters in the past and I have volunteered my services to this organization whenever they asked. Over the years, I can say that Nancy Carbone has become a dear friend. When firefighters need help, she is there.

-Anonymous

“I am a NYC Firefighter and have had the honor in the past to volunteer with Friends of Firefighters. They’ve earned the trust and support of some of the FDNY’s most respected members. Their active participation with Friends is a testament this organizations credibility amongst our members.

-Anonymous

“I came to Friends of Firefighters in September 2011 after seeing the Bio Pod at the Fire Museum at the annual 9/11 memorial gathering. I had signed up and received a call from Rita to come in and try it out. I’ve been coming for 7 weeks now and also have received acupuncture treatment from Mary Hart. I’ve been very impressed with the results from both of these modalities. I’ve also been impressed by the constant work being performed by staff and volunteers doing renovations and administering the many services available. Well done!”

– FDNY Captain, retired 2003

“The mPod experience was great. It helped me learn to deal with stress and relax. I recommend it to anybody wanting improve their body awareness and learn stress coping techniques.”

-Anonymous

“I am a Retired Firefighter.  Having spent approximately 30 years with the FDNY, I gradually learned how to work effectively in stressful situations.  After I retired I learned that stress doesn’t stop after you leave the job.  Stuff happens.  Difficult situations still occur.  My old Firehouse coping methods didn’t work anymore.  My support group (the Brothers in the Firehouse) were not there for me now.  Just as water pressure had to be regulated to put out a fire, I needed to regulate my energy, concentration, and focus to deal with everyday major and minor emergencies.  There are plenty.

I began the biofeedback training program about 3 months ago.  Upon starting the very simple and easy to use breathing and relaxation exercises, I noticed immediate and positive results, which only increased over time.  I became more relaxed and focused.  I was able to clear away the mental clutter that had been blocking my ability to find solutions to problems, both large and small.  As a result, my energy increased and I am now able to get things done more efficiently and with less stress. Life is more pleasant for me and the people around me.  This has allowed me to enjoy life much more fully.  I only wish I could have learned this technique when I was a young Firefighter.  I think my training and experience would have come to me much more quickly and effectively.  I think this is a great program for Firefighters of all ages.”

Stay Safe,

- A Happy Retired Firefighter

“I’ve enjoyed working on the mPod and feel it has been a great help to me as a stress reducer and as a tool I can call on to use in everyday situations. Rita is a great facilitator and was very informative and supportive throughout the program. I highly recommend this program to my fellow firefighters, retirees, families, and friends.”

- FDNY Captain, retired (2003)

An Influential Person

By Paul Pellegrino (13 year old grandson of Tony Catapano, retired FDNY)

“Influence can be defined as the effect one person has on another. It is the power of a person’s compelling force on the actions, behavior and opinions of others. I consider myself fortunate because there are many people in my life that have impacted me in a positive way. One person in particular is my grandfather. He has taught me to be humble yet proud, respectful and strong, but most of all dedicated and courageous.

As one of the most important role models in my life, my grandfather has proven to be a man of great character, not always through his words but through his actions. I am proud to say that my grandfather was a New York City Firefighter for forty-two years. Through his work, he has shown me the heroism of his selfless dedication to the people of this city. He has always stressed the importance of education and has taught me to try my best at all times. Although I was only three years old on September 11, 2001, the impact that day had on our family will forever be with all of us. My grandfather lost a lot of friends that day, most of who he considered brothers. He worked tirelessly for months searching for his brothers without any complaints, only a deep sense of sadness and loss. With thirty-eight years already on the fire department he could have easily retired, instead he remained with more determination behind him. Part of it was because he couldn’t bring himself to leave the job he loved under those circumstances. Another part was his commitment to his fellow firefighters and insuring the proper training of the hundreds of new firefighters the city now needed. With his years of experience, he became a leader to the probationary firefighters who looked up to him and learned all they could from him. His strength got him through an incredibly difficult time.

In May of 2005, on his sixty-fifth birthday, he was forced to retire and depart from a job he truly loved. He hated to leave and still misses it to this day. Instead of hanging around missing his work, he decided to become a volunteer and help an organization called Friends of Firefighters. He went back to school, became a trained counselor and now helps his brothers, both active and retired, on a daily basis. He mentors, listens, counsels, shares his experiences and even cooks them breakfast. The Friends of Firefighters office is located in an old firehouse, which he feels right at home in. He is helping to give back to a brotherhood that he considers family.

As you can see, through his unselfish acts, my grandfather has taught me to understand the importance of education and the significance of family. He is not one for long winded lectures; rather he has led and educated me through his example. He has inspired me to be a better person, study hard, be proud of myself, help others and lead by example. The trait that has impacted my life the most is the integrity my grandfather exhibits with me, the rest of my family and those people who are lucky enough to meet him. He is the man that I aspire to be one day and I am proud to call him my grandfather.”