Yorktown Firefighters, Charity Organization 'Adopt' Sandy Victims

Yorktown Heights Engine Company #1 and My Brother Vinny, a charity organization, are helping fellow firefighters in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy that devastated and destroyed the Breezy Point area.

Through the "Adopt Fire Houses" effort, Lake Mohegan firefighter Kenny Beck and My Brother Vinny founder Paula Miritello recently made an emergency relief trip to bring thermals to both the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department and The Island Park Volunteer Fire Department. 

"They both suffered tremendous loss and are currently at different stages of the rebuild," Miritello said. 

Beck and his girlfriend Miritello met with Point Breeze Chief John Fahy who gave them a tour of his dilapidated firehouse, where 15 men, most of whom lost their own homes, slept on FEMA cots. Miritello said the walls were ripped down and the firefighters don't have the resources and the knowledge to repair them on their own.

"They have lost their homes and they are trying to rebuild the best they can," she said. "Let’s ensure they get the help they need from our network."

The group will be making another trip to help Sandy victims over the holiday weekend – Feb. 18. They will be bringing hot food to Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department and Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department. 

Beck and Miritello will be collecting a variety items for donation on Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Yorktown firehouse on Commerce Street.

The items needed are: 

• Water - 10 cases
• Food/wedges/dessert
• Dry Food, canned soup
• Rubbermaid containers
• Water Cans - Fire Dept Equipment. Chainsaws - pledged ones, new one. 
• Barstools - picking up 5 pledged ones. 
• Clothing- large sizes, new boxers 1x. 2x
• New undershirts, new socks
• Construction help - sheet rockers and more importantly tapers. 
• Furniture - Couch, recliner chair. 

For more information visit the Yorktown Fire Department's website and My Brother Vinny's Facebook page.