Supporting the Families of New York City’s Fallen Heroes

Answer the Call provides financial assistance and a lasting network of support to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police, and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. When tragedy strikes, we make sure these families never face it alone.

Donate Now
$200m+

Distributed directly to families since inception

1,000+

Families assisted over 41 years

$14.8m+

Distributed to families in 2026

503

Families assisted in 2026

Our Approach

How We Help

Since 1985, we have provided resources for families left behind after the line of duty death of an FDNY, NYPD, or PAPD first responder. From immediate needs to long-term stability, we’re here for the families we serve for as long as they need us. Founded by New York Mets legend, Rusty Staub, we aim to turn remembrance into action and provide a lasting network of support.

Direct Financial Assistance

We provide immediate financial relief after a loss, followed by annual support that gives families the flexibility to cover everyday needs, meet unexpected challenges and move forward with greater peace of mind.

Understand Our Financial Support

Network of Support

We create opportunities for families to connect, build lasting friendships and find support among others who understand their experience.

See Our Community in Action

Scholarship Program

We help expand access to higher education for eligible members of our beneficiary families.

Explore Our Scholarship Program

Our Families

Hear From the Families We Serve

“You truly have made this difficult time for our family a little lighter. I’m so grateful and indebted to you for helping us build these beautiful memories as we imagine a different journey forward.”

Khiratullah Nura Abdul-Karim, Spouse of FDNY Paramedic Salih Abdur-Rahman (Ultimate Sacrifice: 10/29/2025)

Our Families

Hear From the Families We Serve

“My family and I are filled with tremendous gratitude for the generosity, friendship, kindness, and goodwill of every member of Answer the Call. You consistently make every family member feel never forgotten!”

Theresa Giammona, Spouse of FDNY Captain Vincent Giammona (Ultimate Sacrifice: 09/11/2001)

Our Families

Hear From the Families We Serve

“Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the Jr. Knicks camp! Basketball means a lot to me, especially because it was something I got to share with my dad. Being able to play the game I love and learn from such amazing coaches and teammates was an unforgettable experience.”

Robert Cardona, son of NYPD Detective Robert Cardona (Ultimate Sacrifice: 04/15/2020)

Now it’s your turn to Answer the Call®

Discover the many ways you can help ensure the families of our fallen heroes never walk this journey alone.

Find Your Way to Help

Newsroom

Our Work in Action

From event spotlights to press coverage and organizational milestones, here’s everything happening across the Answer the Call community.

Our Community

Follow Along on Instagram

We`re excited to announce a historic new chapter for Answer the Call. Thanks to a $2 million commitment from Allied World, we are launching the "Answer the Call Scholarship: Presented by Allied World," our organization’s first-ever scholarship initiative.

The scholarship will support Answer the Call`s eligible family members of fallen NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD heroes pursuing undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, and trade education.

This program will create new opportunities for the families we serve, helping them pursue their goals, build financial independence, and shape their future while honoring the legacy of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our city.

We are incredibly grateful to Allied World for helping us create new educational opportunities for the families we serve and invest in their futures.

For additional information on eligibility and the application process click the link in bio. #AnswerTheCall #AlliedWorld #Scholarship

28 0
Open post by answerthecallnyc with ID 18131383750814081
We're excited to announce a historic new chapter for Answer the Call. Thanks to a $2 million commitment from Allied World, we are launching the "Answer the Call Scholarship: Presented by Allied World," our organization’s first-ever scholarship initiative. The scholarship will support Answer the Call's eligible family members of fallen NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD heroes pursuing undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, and trade education. This program will create new opportunities for the families we serve, helping them pursue their goals, build financial independence, and shape their future while honoring the legacy of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our city. We are incredibly grateful to Allied World for helping us create new educational opportunities for the families we serve and invest in their futures. For additional information on eligibility and the application process click the link in bio. #AnswerTheCall #AlliedWorld #Scholarship

28 0

October 17, 2026 marked the 60th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire in New York, one of the darkest days in FDNY history. On this day, 12 FDNY firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while battling a building fire. Before September 11, 2001, this tragedy represented the greatest loss of FDNY members in a single incident.

Six decades later, we remember the 12 heroes who gave their lives in service to our city. We honor their bravery, the families who continue to carry their memory, and a city that will never forget their sacrifice.

We Remember
Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly
Firefighter William F. McCarron
Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins
Lieutenant Joseph Priore
Firefighter James V. Galanaugh
Firefighter Joseph Kelly
Firefighter Daniel L. Rey
Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper
Lieutenant John J. Finley
Firefighter John G. Berry
Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky
Firefighter Carl Lee

26 1
Open post by answerthecallnyc with ID 18034945400890831
October 17, 2026 marked the 60th anniversary of the 23rd Street Fire in New York, one of the darkest days in FDNY history. On this day, 12 FDNY firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while battling a building fire. Before September 11, 2001, this tragedy represented the greatest loss of FDNY members in a single incident. Six decades later, we remember the 12 heroes who gave their lives in service to our city. We honor their bravery, the families who continue to carry their memory, and a city that will never forget their sacrifice. We Remember Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly Firefighter William F. McCarron Battalion Chief Walter J. Higgins Lieutenant Joseph Priore Firefighter James V. Galanaugh Firefighter Joseph Kelly Firefighter Daniel L. Rey Firefighter Bernard A. Tepper Lieutenant John J. Finley Firefighter John G. Berry Firefighter Rudolph F. Kaminsky Firefighter Carl Lee

26 1

As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11th, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stood with Answer the Call throughout September.

To the companies, organizations, and individuals who hosted fundraisers and found meaningful ways to support our mission—thank you. Your generosity helps us continue standing alongside the families of fallen first responders, on September 11th and every day. ❤️🇺🇸 #AnswertheCall #NeverForget

21 1
Open post by answerthecallnyc with ID 17974422171144934
As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11th, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stood with Answer the Call throughout September. To the companies, organizations, and individuals who hosted fundraisers and found meaningful ways to support our mission—thank you. Your generosity helps us continue standing alongside the families of fallen first responders, on September 11th and every day. ❤️🇺🇸 #AnswertheCall #NeverForget

21 1

Our Q3 Newsletter is live! Catch up on what’s been happening at Answer the Call, including:

-Our commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001
-A recap of our 2026 Remembrance Campaign
-Updates from our Day in the Life program
-Thank you notes from the families we serve following Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce`s donation

Click the link in bio to sign up for our email list to stay connected with Answer the Call and receive future updates straight to your inbox!

7 0
Open post by answerthecallnyc with ID 18147761080563193
Our Q3 Newsletter is live! Catch up on what’s been happening at Answer the Call, including: -Our commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 -A recap of our 2026 Remembrance Campaign -Updates from our Day in the Life program -Thank you notes from the families we serve following Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's donation Click the link in bio to sign up for our email list to stay connected with Answer the Call and receive future updates straight to your inbox!

7 0

On September 11, 2001, FDNY Firefighter Calixto “Charlie” Anaya Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice while saving others at the World Trade Center. Before joining the FDNY, Anaya served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Firefighter Anaya was a member of Engine 4, one of the first companies to respond to the World Trade Center on September 11th. At just 35 years old, Firefighter Anaya left behind his wife, Marie, and their three children, Kristina Marie, Brandon, and Rebecca. Click the link in bio to hear more about Marie’s story. We promise to Never Forget Firefighter Anaya’s sacrifice. #AnswertheCall #NeverForget

167 6
Open post by answerthecallnyc with ID 18113609132140532
On September 11, 2001, FDNY Firefighter Calixto “Charlie” Anaya Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice while saving others at the World Trade Center. Before joining the FDNY, Anaya served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Firefighter Anaya was a member of Engine 4, one of the first companies to respond to the World Trade Center on September 11th. At just 35 years old, Firefighter Anaya left behind his wife, Marie, and their three children, Kristina Marie, Brandon, and Rebecca. Click the link in bio to hear more about Marie’s story. We promise to Never Forget Firefighter Anaya’s sacrifice. #AnswertheCall #NeverForget

167 6

Join Our Email List

Stay connected by signing up to get updates on the families we support, upcoming events, and other ways to get involved.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
First Name*
Last Name*