Actors Battle Blaze for Firefighter Fund

For a decade, actor Denis Leary has hosted a unique "Firefighter for a Day" event in New York City, coinciding with International Firefighters Day on May 4th. This initiative, in partnership with the Fire Department of New York and The FDNY Foundation, allows non-firefighters to experience FDNY training at the Randall's Island Fire Academy. Participants engage in realistic drills like entering burning buildings and rappelling down structures.

Leary, connected to firefighters through his foundation and the drama "Rescue Me," ensures participants only do what they are comfortable with. He has witnessed many overcome fears, citing Julianna Margulies' experience rappelling down a building after initially planning to be a spectator.

The event draws celebrities, athletes, and corporations, significantly boosting donations for the Leary Firefighters Foundation. According to retired FDNY Chief David Morkal, foundation grants have surged from $200,000 annually to $850,000, with a goal of $1 million this year. These funds provide critical equipment and training to fire departments nationwide, especially volunteer units struggling for every dollar.

Founded in 2000 after a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts, that claimed his cousin and a friend, Leary's foundation aims to equip firefighters with the necessary tools and training to return home safely. This mission continues to fill a crucial gap left by municipal budget shortfalls, as noted by International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward A. Kelly. He praised Leary's foundation for addressing the system's flaws and supporting departments that compete for limited government funding.