| SOMERS — Bedford Hills firefighters lined up together, waited for the starting call, then rushed toward their gear. They kicked off their shoes, jumped into their boots and hiked up their pants and suspenders. They put on their jackets, hats and gloves and in less than a minute ran over to a fire truck waiting at the center of Fireman's Field.
The "midnight alarm" drill was one of several contests at the JIMMY Foundation's annual muster, a firefighter-style competition that brought out about 14 local fire companies on Sunday to battle over bragging rights while raising money for charity.
The JIMMY Foundation, which stands for Just Imagine Making Miracles Yours, was created three years ago in honor of Jimmy Arena, a 6-year-old Somers boy who died of a brain tumor in 2005. He was a huge firefighter enthusiast and his father and grandfathers remain part of local volunteer companies.
"For me, it's a special way to remember him because he loved the Fire Department, he loved fire trucks," said Gina Arena, Jimmy's mother. "So, it's a great tribute for him, from me."
Many friends and family, especially the local firefighting community, raised money to support the Arena family through Jimmy's treatments. After Jimmy died, his parents used part of the donated money to create the foundation and give back to other families with sick children.
In three years, they've raised nearly $100,000 and given the money away to about 45 families, paying for food cards, medical bills, utility bills or lodging to stay close to a child in the hospital.
"Whatever the family needs to get through that month, we'll help with," said Gina Arena, standing next to a tent where fellow foundation board members were selling burgers, funnel cakes, hats and T-shirts.
Bobby Deodhari of Granite Springs has received help from the foundation to pay for a nursing aide for his son, Tyler.
Tyler, 8, was born with a disorder that was later diagnosed as myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. Since his condition deteriorated in October, Tyler has needed to be taken around in a stroller, and has been hooked up to a feeding tube and tracheal ventilator. A nursing aide comes to his home five times a week to help care for him.
"JIMMY Foundation, a phenomenal organization, helped us out," Deodhari said.
Back at the field, teams of firefighters gathered around, waiting for their turns at tug of war and a water pumping contest. Behind them, a line of antique fire trucks from nearby departments was on display, the oldest ones dating to 1928.
Standing with the South Salem team, Assistant Fire Chief Avery Scott said his crew was excited to be at the event, in part to defend the title from last year.
"It's really nice to be able to come out here, see guys we don't get to see all the time, our neighbor departments, having fun, hang out, and all supporting a good cause," he said.
BY BEN RUBIN • BFRUBIN@LOHUD.COM • MAY 24, 2010 |
