September 2026 · retired members · families · remembrance

25 Years of Remembrance

Service, brotherhood, and the promise to never forget.

Association Message

25 years of remembrance, service, and brotherhood.

Brothers and Sisters,

Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, the FDNY family continues to carry the memory of those we lost, those who answered the call, and those who have suffered in the years that followed.

For the FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association, September is a time of remembrance, reflection, and fellowship. Many of our members lived that day, worked through its aftermath, stood beside families and brother firefighters, and continue to honor the promise to never forget.

This issue brings together September remembrance events, retiree updates, WTC health reminders, and recent association notices in one place for our members and families.

As we mark this 25th anniversary, we remember not only the sacrifice of September 11 itself, but also the years of service, illness, advocacy, and brotherhood that followed.

We ask our members to attend observances where they can, support one another, and continue honoring the memory of those who gave so much.

FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association

September 11 Observances

Remembrance events and local observances.

The following September events have been circulated through FDNY and retiree-related notices. Members should verify details before attending, as schedules can change.

09Sep

FDNY 25th Anniversary Ceremony

Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at FerryHawks Stadium / SIUH Community Park, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. September 10 has been reported as the rain date.

10Sep

Healing Garden Club Observance

Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the monument on Clove Road and Targee Street. President Woody Wall and Vice President Jim McGrath have been asked to speak. The event is expected to run approximately one hour, and members are encouraged to attend in association shirts and hats where possible.

11Sep

SI Retirees Memorial Service & Candlelight Vigil

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Richmond County Yacht Club. Members are encouraged to attend in FDNY uniform or association attire where appropriate.

15Sep

Regular Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Richmond County Yacht Club.

10Dec

Save the Date: FDNY Retirees Christmas Party

Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM at The Staaten. More information will follow.

From the Treasurer's Desk

September dues and membership-card reminder.

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone had a great summer. It is that time of year again. The dues letter will be going out at the end of September.

Please do not send any dues until you receive the dues letter and your new membership card.

If you need to make a change to your address, beneficiary, or anything else, please put a note in with your check. If you need to change your email, go to www.fdnysiretirees.org, scroll down to join our mailing list, and update it there. I cannot change it from my computer.

There is also information about the Christmas party. Dues are $40, and all checks should be made out to FDNY RETIREES.

Thanks. Stay safe.

Jim DiMeo · Treasurer

In Memoriam

Recent association passings.

The Association remembers the following members whose passing was announced in recent association notices. We extend our condolences to their families, friends, and brother firefighters.

✦

LT Andrew J. Graf, E-167

Memorial Mass held June 12, 2026, Holy Child Roman Catholic Church, Staten Island.

✦

FF Arthur Tricarico, E-281

Services held June 26–27, 2026, Staten Island.

✦

LT Ralph S. Payson, BP / E-166

Services held July 8–9, 2026, Casey's Funeral Home, Staten Island.

✦

Captain Francis “Frank” A. Fleming, E-161

Services held July 8–10, 2026, Staten Island.

✦

Captain Robert J. Baumann, L-148

Services held July 10–11, 2026, Staten Island.

✦

FF Robert J. Kanowicz, L-11 / L-84

Services held July 21, 2026, Matthew Funeral Home, Staten Island.

✦

FF Mike Rizzo, E-165

Passed June 6, 2026, while visiting his son in California. Services held August 7, 2026, Staten Island.

✦

DC Roland “Ronnie” Gorton, D-8 / B-48

Passed August 29, 2026. Services held September 1–2, 2026, Brooklyn.

WTC Health / VCF Reminder

Stay current with monitoring and documentation.

As September arrives, members are reminded to stay current with WTC Health Program monitoring and to follow up on any new or worsening WTC-related conditions.

If a new condition is diagnosed, members should contact the WTC Health Program or a qualified representative to determine whether it should be reviewed, certified, or documented.

A newly certified condition may affect Victim Compensation Fund eligibility. Members should rely on official program guidance, qualified legal representatives, or WTC benefit specialists before making decisions.

MonitorAnnual WTC medical follow-up

DocumentNew or worsening conditions

AskQualified WTC / VCF guidance

FDNY / Retiree Watch

Updates for members to watch.

A few FDNY, labor, pension, and retiree-benefit items are worth tracking. These are provided as member-awareness notes; members should rely on official sources for current details.

01 · UFA Leadership

Robert C. Eustace sworn in as UFA President

Robert C. Eustace has been sworn in as the 21st President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul administered the oath on August 18, and his term began August 1. The Association congratulates him and wishes him success representing New York City firefighters.

02 · Staffing

Fifth firefighter discussion

Recent reports have highlighted continued discussion around restoring or adding a fifth firefighter to FDNY engine companies. Members should watch for official updates as staffing, response-time, and city budget discussions continue.

03 · Benefits

Benefits watch

A recent state-budget pension update affects FDNY uniformed members who reach 25 years of service.

25 years of service+5%

Each additional year+1%

Maximum increase+15% at 35 years

The increase is added to final average salary used in the pension calculation. Retiree healthcare advocates are also following Intro 1008, a City Council bill aimed at protecting NYC retiree healthcare benefits from higher costs or privatization. Members should verify details through official union, pension, retiree organization, and city/state sources.

Support our advertisers

Please support those who support the association.

The FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association thanks the advertisers and professionals who support our members and help keep association communications moving.

Paid Advertisement · Attorney Advertising

Rudolph F. X. Migliore, P.C.

Rudolph F. X. Migliore asbestos mesothelioma lung cancer attorney advertisement

Attorney Advertising · Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Asbestos and lung cancer legal representation for FDNY retirees and families.

Paid Advertisement · Attorney Advertising

Barasch & McGarry

Barasch and McGarry 9/11 responders legal advertisement

Attorney Advertising · Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Additional supporters

Additional advertiser pages.

The association thanks the businesses, professionals, and supporters who help make member communications possible.