America at 250 · retired members · families · association news

Summer 2026 Issue

America at 250: Service, Brotherhood, and Remembrance

As the country prepares to mark 250 years of independence, this issue honors service and fellowship while keeping members informed on health, benefit, WTC, and association reminders.

Issue focusAmerica at 250, service, health, benefits, and WTC reminders.

AssociationPatriotic summer updates, association news, retiree reminders, and September remembrance planning.

President's Message — FDNY Retirees mug, folded American flag, and Woody signature

From the President

A summer note as America marks 250 years.

Brothers and Sisters,

As we move through the summer and our country prepares to mark 250 years of independence, it is a good time to remember the values that have always carried the fire service: duty, sacrifice, fellowship, and looking out for one another.

Our association picnic had a fantastic turnout, with about 100 members and guests coming together. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped, and continues to support the fellowship that keeps this organization strong.

This issue includes association updates, retiree reminders, and items of interest for our members and families. We also look ahead to September, when our community will once again pause to remember the sacrifices of September 11th and the years that followed. Details on confirmed September observances, including any local candlelight remembrance plans, will be shared as they become available.

Thank you for your continued support of the FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association. Stay safe and enjoy the summer.

Woody · President
FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association

Main feature

America at 250: honoring service across generations.

This issue uses the 250th anniversary of American independence as a moment to recognize the service, brotherhood, and civic duty that connect FDNY retirees, families, and the wider community.

On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For the FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association, that milestone is a fitting moment to recognize the values that have always carried the fire service: duty, courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and care for the person standing next to you.

The anniversary is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the civic responsibility, sacrifice, and service that have shaped the country from its beginning.

For members of the fire service, those words are not abstract. Service is lived through duty to community, care for neighbors, and loyalty to the people standing beside you. The FDNY tradition carries those values forward across generations — from active members to retirees, from families to friends, and from one generation of service to the next.

As America marks 250 years, the FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association recognizes the members and families who continue to represent that spirit of service, fellowship, and remembrance.

Member updates

Updates for members.

Health, benefit, and association reminders for members and families.

01 · Health

Memorial Sloan Kettering head and neck screenings

Free head and neck screenings are listed for Thursday, July 30, 2026, 9am-noon at the MSK Koch Building, 530 East 74th Street, near the FDR Drive; and Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am-noon at the MSK Ralph Lauren Building, 1919 Madison Avenue at East 124th Street. No appointment is listed as required. Members should confirm details with MSK before attending.

02 · Benefits

IRMAA reimbursement reminder

The 2025 Medicare Part B IRMAA reimbursement application is posted through the NYC Office of Labor Relations Health Benefits Program. Medicare-eligible retirees and Medicare-eligible dependents who paid above the standard Medicare Part B premium should review the current form, required documentation, and submission instructions at nyc.gov/site/olr/health/retiree/health-retiree-medb-irmaa.page before filing.

03 · Local association

Picnic turnout and summer fellowship

The association picnic had a fantastic turnout, with about 100 members and guests joining together for food, fellowship, and time with friends. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success.

From the Treasurer

Membership support keeps the association moving.

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to everyone who paid their dues. The dues season is over, and we currently have 631 members.

The picnic checks have been cashed, and I am now starting to prepare for the 2027 dues season. In July, I will order the new membership cards and take inventory of what we need, including envelopes, paper, and other supplies.

Have a great summer. Thanks, and stay safe.
Jim DiMeo · Treasurer

Membership631 members

Dues seasonComplete

Next step2027 cards and supplies

FDNY Department News

Department and retiree watch items.

A few department and retiree items are worth tracking now and revisiting if they develop further.

01 · Staffing

Fifth firefighter discussion

Recent reports say the City Council is considering adding a fifth firefighter to additional engine companies. The proposal has been discussed as a staffing and response-time issue, including concerns around heavier call volume and complex fire conditions. Members should watch for official updates as the city budget and staffing discussions continue.

02 · September planning

September 11 remembrance dates to watch

The 25th anniversary of September 11th will be observed in September 2026. FDNY has announced a Staten Island ceremony for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at FerryHawks Stadium / SIUH Community Park, with September 10 reported as the rain date. Additional Staten Island and citywide remembrance events will be added as details are confirmed.

Upcoming dates

Summer and early fall dates.

30Jul

Memorial Sloan Kettering screening

Thursday, July 30, 2026, 9am-noon at the MSK Koch Building, 530 East 74th Street, near the FDR Drive. No appointment is listed as required; verify with MSK before attending.

31Jul

Memorial Sloan Kettering screening

Friday, July 31, 2026, 10am-noon at the MSK Ralph Lauren Building, 1919 Madison Avenue at East 124th Street. No appointment is listed as required; verify with MSK before attending.

09Sep

September 11 25th Anniversary Ceremony

FDNY has announced an official ceremony on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at FerryHawks Stadium / SIUH Community Park, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Sept. 10 has been reported as the rain date. Additional details will be shared as they are confirmed.

SepSee You

No meetings in July or August

Have a safe and enjoyable summer. We look forward to seeing everyone again in September.

Retiree Utility Desk

Useful reminders for retirees and families.

Please verify details directly with the appropriate office before making benefit, pension, legal, or medical decisions.

01 · WTC Health

Certify additional conditions

If a new WTC-related illness is diagnosed, contact the WTC Health Program to determine whether it should be reviewed and certified.

02 · VCF

Ask about eligibility changes

A newly certified condition may affect Victim Compensation Fund eligibility. Members should check with the appropriate program or representative.

03 · Pension

Use qualified guidance

Pension reclassification and WTC-related benefit questions are sensitive. Members should rely on qualified pension, union, legal, or WTC representatives.

04 · September

Send material early

Photos, member notes, and article ideas for the September issue should be sent early so they can be reviewed, verified, and placed properly.

05 · Retirement

Find lost retirement benefits

The U.S. Department of Labor offers a Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database at lostandfound.dol.gov. The tool is designed to help workers and beneficiaries search for retirement plans that may owe them benefits.

06 · Cyber safety

Be alert for account-access scams

Federal cyber warnings continue to highlight phishing scams that trick users into authorizing access to accounts, including Microsoft 365 accounts. Treat unexpected login prompts, codes, and device approvals carefully, and verify requests before entering any information.

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