» View Jeffery's Instagram Story of His 4x4x48 Journey
Earlier this year, retired Navy SEAL and endurance athlete, David Goggins, put out his 4x4x48 challenge, which includes running 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours. When Jeffery Cool, Jr., a first responder in paramedic school, saw the call-to-action he knew that he “was hooked.” Not only did he accept this test of endurance, but he vowed to support the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation (Joey D Foundation), a charity that is close to his heart. He set a goal to raise awareness and $1,000 for the Foundation but did so much more! Through his efforts, he raised nearly $18,000 by training hard for five weeks, while promoting the Joey D Foundation to his social media followers.

When Jeffery was seven, his Dad, Jeff Cool, Sr., was critically injured on FDNY Black Sunday. The fire, in an illegally sub-divided Bronx tenement trapped firefighters from Ladder 27 and Rescue 3 forcing them to jump from a 4-story building as fire conditions worsened. Firefighters were faced with a split-second decision to burn in the fire or jump from the building to escape the raging inferno. This tragic day claimed the lives of Lieutenant Curtis Meyran and Firefighter John Bellew. Three others were also critically injured including Firefighters Eugene Stolowski, Brendan Cawley and Joseph DiBernardo. Later that day, Firefighter Rich Sclafani also died in a house fire in Brooklyn, making it the deadliest day for the FDNY since 9/11.

That day, Jeff Cool, Sr. had a personal safety system (PSS) that he bought for himself six months before the fire. Knowing that he had this way out, he yelled to Joey in the next window telling him to use the rope since he had nothing he could tie off to. Joey said, “You have a wife and kids, throw me the rope, and I’ll lower you.” Joey wrapped the rope around his body and arm. Jeff jumped out the window. The rope caused him to pendulum and lose control falling into the side alley. Then Joey tied the rope to a child gate and went out after Jeff; he was able to lessen his fall by about ten feet before he too lost control and fell into the rear yard below.

The survivors of the fire and their families, bonded forever, courageously battle with the scars of Black Sunday every day. Amid this tragedy, Joey and the Cool family remained close, and Jeffery and his brother Dylan gained an “Uncle Joey.” But sadly, in November 2011, the fire would also claim the life of their Uncle Joey, who died from his injuries.

After Joey’s passing, his family and friends started the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation, which provides funding to fire departments in North America to purchase PSS for their firefighters and offers training to keep them safe. Jeffery who wanted to give back, chose his Uncle Joey’s Foundation to make a difference in the lives of his brothers and sisters in the fire service.

“The runs were an absolute grind, but anytime I felt pain and felt sorry for myself, I thought back to that day with my Dad and Joey and what they went through and then I laughed at myself. I have no right to complain. Those guys are my heroes, and they push me to limits I never think I could go. They are my reason I never quit, and they are why I finished this challenge,” said Jeffery.

His endurance not only made him a stronger person, but it honored Joey and his Dad’s legacy. Jeffery also clearly understands and lives by the values that his Dad and Uncle Joey taught him, being “part of something bigger than myself.” He is an example for the next generation of firefighters. Jeffery’s ultimate goal is to follow in his Dad’s and Uncle Joey's footsteps in the FDNY. We have no doubt he will achieve that goal and do great things. As Uncle Joey would say, “reach for the sky.” We are all so proud of you, Jeffery!

In celebration of World Book Day, join Chief Billy Goldfeder and guest authors for a lively discussion about the third volume of Chief Goldfeder's highly successful "Pass It On" book series. Guest authors will include: Paul Combs, Chieff Joe DiBernardo, Sara Jahnke, and Chief Frank Leeb.

Watch Live on Facebook on April 23 @ Noon ET

Save 30% off all the Pass It On books with discount code WBD30 on fireengineeringbooks.com. Thank you to our friends at Fire Engineering!

You can support the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation and have a good laugh by joining us for this virtual comedy fundraiser. Who couldn't use a laugh right now?

It's easy to watch from your home, just go to helpingthruhumor.org and register for an account. Click on the link to "Get a Ticket" and choose "Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation" as your charity. You will be able to watch the event starting on October 12, 2020.

This event features:

• John Butera
• J Jay Boyd
• John Larocchia
• Joe Starr
• Chris Roach

Get Your Ticket Today & Choose the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation

https://youtu.be/8FJ3uW7CTuk

This very special edition of Birds Eye View Project's #FirefighterFridayfeatured veteran and Firefighter Jeff Cool, who served 14 Years with FDNY Rescue 3. On this episode, we discuss his early days as an Air Force Firefighter, joining the FDNY, September 11th, Black Sunday, and the crucial work being done by the Joey D Foundation to supply firefighters with life saving equipment and training.

This summer the Centereach Fire Department competed in a wing eating contest, hosted by Stop & Shop in Ronkonkoma. Centereach Fire Department members Matt Gehm and Ed Davidson ate their way to a victory and received a check for $1,000. This check was presented to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation on September 21, 2020. On hand to present the check to FDNY Deputy Chief (retired) Joe Dibernardo was Centereach Assistant Chief Joseph Feola, Firefighter Matt Gehm, and Firefighter Ed Davidson. Congratulations to Matt and Ed and thank you to Centereach Fire Department for your generous donation!

(Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam)

The chief says now that the money is secured to bring in the equipment, it will change the future of the department.

https://youtu.be/4_wjIC1J5lE

The safety and health of our firefighters and our communities are paramount to the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation. After careful consideration and due to the limitations of social distancing, we have decided to cancel the Third Annual Fire Department Volleyball Tournament. We were all looking forward to this year’s challenge and a much-needed escape from the stresses of this pandemic; your wellbeing is more important to us. So, use this time to work on your serve and we will focus our efforts on making the 2021 event our best tournament yet!

We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2021 for the Third Annual Fire Department Volleyball Tournament. Please stay healthy and safe.

On Wednesday, April 15, Chief Joe DiBernardo delivered 100 N95 masks to the Miller Place Fire Department and 200 to the Setauket Fire Department.

We are living in unprecedented times. As we social distance, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation sends its profound gratitude to all first responders, members of the armed forces, and medical professionals who are battling fiercely to keep us safe and well during these uncertain times. They have always been our heroes, and their selfless compassion for their neighbors will always be a beacon of hope and strength during times of distress.

During this global crisis, we are also grateful for the many farmers, truckers, postal/delivery, sanitation, grocery, and food service workers who continue their hard work to keep us fed and supplied with the necessary goods to fulfill our basic needs. Now more than ever, we understand and appreciate their importance in our daily lives, and we thank them.

Although we are physically isolated, our thoughts, prayers and gratitude for our many blessings and for those on the front lines of this pandemic will make a difference. Please take a moment to reflect on their service and the sacrifices their families make every day.

From the the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation family to yours, please stay safe and well.

Affordable Drill Towers teamed up with TEEX, Williamson County ESD #3 (Hutto Fire Rescue), Bastrop County ESD #2, and some of the top fire instructors in the U.S. for it's 2020 Winter Training Event.

The event, held on January 18-19, 2020, benefited the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.

This weekend, Steve Sanguedolce presented a check to the DiBernardo family for $5,000 for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation.

"Mrs. D, it is us that are honored and feel fortunate to be in a position to contribute to such a worthy charity. You, Chief D (Joe DiBernardo), Kevin, and the rest of the Joey D Foundation are doing such a great thing; not only preserving Joey’s legacy, but saving other firefighters lives through the grant program," says Steve Sanguedolce, CEO/President of Affordable Drill Towers.

Thank you to Steve Sanguedolce, Affordable Drill Towers, TEEX, Williamson County ESD #3, Bastrop County ESD #2, all of the instructors, and students who supported this event!

The Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation is honored and pleased to announce that we have once again been selected as a Bird’s Eye View Project charity partner.

The Bird’s Eye View Project showcases a series of events that raise awareness and funding for charities that impact the lives of veterans and first responders. Their mission is to bridge the growing divide between those who serve and those who benefit from their service, by encouraging all Americans to “support those who support us.” In keeping with this mission, the Bird’s Eye View Project has announced its new charity partners for 2020 - 2022, which include:
• Sons of The Flag
• Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation
• One More Wave
• America’s Defenders
• Gratitude Initiative

“We are happy to be amongst this great group of organizations that support our military and first responders. The Lt. Joseph P. DiBerarndo Memorial Foundation is grateful to Former Navy SEAL Ryan ‘Birdman’ Parrott, U.S.M.C. First Sergeant Mitch Arnold (Ret.), and the entire Bird’s Eye View Project team for their continued support of our mission to keep firefighters safe,” said Chief Joe DiBernardo. “Their assistance brings much needed awareness and support for our important work.”

In 2019, Bird's Eye View Project's Walk the Walk 100 raised $3,000 for our work. Bird's Eye View Project Board Member Sam Williamson made it a personal extreme mission to walk 100 miles from Waco to Dallas, Texas in support of veterans and first responders.

Since 2013, the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation has provided over $472,000 in grant funds to keep firefighters safe. We believe, firefighters can’t save lives, if they too become trapped by fire. On the fireground, firefighters need to be prepared for anything and sometimes they just need another way out. That’s why the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation provides Personal Safety Systems (PSS) and training to fire departments in need. This important safety equipment and training helps them safely exit multi-story buildings through a window if there are no other means of escape.

“You’re not just doing phenomenal things, but you’re changing lives.” says Mitch Arnold, Executive Director of the Bird’s Eye View Project. “We love being just a small part of the change that’s happening in the lives of our veterans and first responders.”
Check out the great work being done by the Bird’s Eye View Project and its partners at: www.birdseyeviewproject.org.

On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, #HeroesChanceDay, you can celebrate a fallen FDNY firefighter and give a lifeline and training to a firefighter in need.

Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation just earned a 2019 Bronze Seal of Transparency by adding information to our nonprofit profile on GuideStar.

Now our community members as well as 10+ million GuideStar users can find out more about our mission and programs.

Plus, we’ve provided fresh information to 200+ charitable websites and applications that use GuideStar data, such as AmazonSmile, Facebook, and Network for Good.

What do you think? Check out our profile and Bronze Seal of Transparency at www.guidestar.org/Profile/9246042
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Foundation Center and GuideStar have joined forces to become a new nonprofit called Candid. Learn more at candid.org.

A long time ago, there was a little boy who wanted to be a fireman. His dream came true 24 years ago today...October 15, 1995. He, along with 200+ in the class of 1995, raised his hand and took an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the City of New York. Unfortunately, this little boy's firefighting years where cut short after only 10 years on the job...but, what a 10 years it was...probably, the happiest of his life. So, here's to Joey and the others from that class of 1995. For those no longer with us, rest in peace!! For those still on the job, stay safe!!

This one-of-a-kind 2019 Joey D Seminar humidor made especially for the Foundation, was hand crafted by Chief Mike Nugent at Black Pearl Woodworks. The humidor features the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation logo and a quote from FDNY Chief Edward F. Croker from 1910. It reads:

“I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a firefighter. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the firefighter has to do believe that his is a noble calling. There is an adage which says that, "Nothing can be destroyed except by fire." We strive to preserve from destruction the wealth of the world which is the product of the industry of men, necessary for the comfort of both the rich and the poor. We are defenders from fires of the art which has beautified the world, the product of the genius of men and the means of refinement of mankind. (But, above all; our proudest endeavor is to save lives of men-the work of God Himself. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice. Such considerations may not strike the average mind, but they are sufficient to fill to the limit our ambition in life and to make us serve the general purpose of human society.”

Congratulations to Battalion Chief Tony Bruno, FDNY (Ret.) of the for winning the 2019 Humidor Raffle

We will be raffling off some donated items at the Second Annual Fire Department Volleyball Fundraiser on July 25, 2019. You will find new items listed in this post leading up to the tournament. Chances are $5 each or five for $20. You do not need to be present to win.

Raffle Items

Maia Salon Spa & Wellness Package

Fire Hooks Black Maxx

The Fire Hooks Unlimited Black Maxx is a hybrid sledge/maul featuring 10 lb. pound striking-force head with a pointed pike/edged cutter. The Black Maxx works well with a baseball style swing for easy forcible entry and can also provide an instant foot hold when the pointed end is sunk into a slanted or pitched roof.

The handle features an embossed thermo-rubber grip and a rubber over-strike guard that also doubles as a guide for hand placement. The Fire Hooks Unlimited Black Maxx might just become your favorite one-stop shop tool for forcible entry, roof work, ventilation and overhaul. The Black Maxx is built tough to handle your toughest fire ground jobs. And the edged pike has a notch that allows you to marry a 30” Pro Bar Halligan so you can carry both tools together!

• 10 lb. Head
• 11.5 lbs. Overall weight
• Reinforced fiberglass handle
• Overstrike guard
• Cutting edge on pike for chopping and cutting
• Notched pike for Halligan marrying

Join us for a night of food, music, and family fun for a great cause! The Second Annual Fire Department Volleyball Fundraiser sponsored by the Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook and Gold Coast Bank and will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook. Cost is $20 per person and includes food and beverages. Music features Special guest DJ Kevin along with LIVE Musical Performances by Face to Face, a tribute to the music of Billy Joel & Elton John. Also, new in 2019, the corn hole tournament.


Your donation benefits the programs of the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation which provides training and Personal Safety Systems to fire departments in need.

For more information, contact Tanya Lee at (631) 471-8000 ext. 709
or E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In order to keep their skills sharp, firefighters practice with their PSS to get a better feel for their environment when using it in a real situation.

The Otter Creek Fire Department is now better equipped to safely escape any multi-story burning buildings, thanks to an eight thousand dollar bailout bag grant from the Joey DiBernardo Foundation.