When power was fully restored to western Queens residents, the New York Mets and Group Health International (GHI) took the opportunity to honor firefighters from Engine 312 for their work to help the community.
Prior to the Mets game against the San Diego Padres on August 9, Firefighters Steve Vano and Richard Ruebenacker participated in an on-field ceremony and accepted a check for $1,000 from GHI on behalf of the Firefighter Thomas Elsasser Widows and Children’s Fund.
“Both the Mets and GHI viewed this as the opportunity to thank all first responders that went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Steve Cassidy, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.
During the blackout, Engine 312 opened up their house and turned it into a community center so that other city departments could house their emergency workers and provided Astoria residents with meals and beverages.
“When Engine 312 opened their doors and decided for it to be a focal point for people in the neighborhoods, I thought it was a reflection of what all firefighters were doing,” Cassidy said.
In addition to the pre-game festivities, earlier in that day, firefighters Vano and Ruebenacker together with New York Mets second baseman Jose Valentin, and Mr. Met, visited Jamaica Hospital, in order to meet with children and other patients.
Cassidy said that although Engine 312 was at the heart of the blackout area, all of the firefighters in the area performed admirably despite heavy call volumes and dangerous conditions.
“Engine 312 was the company that was honored, but this was being done in almost every firehouse in Queens,” Cassidy said.
Mets, GHI Honor Local Firefighters
By Pete Davis
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