FDNY SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP

A resource for families of the FDNY

       Established in 2018, the FDNY Special Needs Group supports all active, retired, uniform and civilian members of FDNY.

• Our focus is on families confronted with a current or long term healthcare issue.
• Our hope is to assist with the care for physical, developmental and aging limitations/disabilities by providing support, information and social events for members and their caregivers.

      In 2022, we were honored to become an affiliated organization within the Fire Department of New York City; “The FDNY”. 

• By bringing together skilled and highly trained individuals in various aspects of the healthcare field, we continue our goal to support active and retired FDNY employees, parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, children and siblings of any individual in our extended FDNY family.

WNYF 2018 - FDNY Families with Special Needs
     Having a family member with special needs is both difficult and rewarding. It affects all members of a family, even one's extended family at the firehouse. It can tax a family's resources to the limit. It can take a toll on any individual, especially ones who internalize challenges, always stay calm, put on a brave face when faced with adversity, and solve problems. Does that sound like anyone you know? I just described the traits of most of the exemplary firefighters that I know. It can be a challenge for those same individuals to accept help, after all, firefighters provide help. FDNY Special Needs group allows you to do BOTH , both give and receive. Another quality that makes our FDNY special is that we look after each other. The fact is, even with the best of intentions, other family, friends, and even some of the ‘brothers’ at the fire house may not ‘get’ what you are going thru. The members of this group understand the challenges. The reward comes when you share your experiences, knowledge, and accept guidance from people who share a common bond. 

By Capt. Eugene Kananowicz (K-9)E-53 & Capt. Michael Doda L-148
To read the complete letter, please ​click here.