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← All newslettersSeptember 2026 · Staten Island Division

THE STATEN ISLAND RETIREE DISPATCH

VOL. LXVI · NO. 9 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. SEPTEMBER 2026

FDNY RETIREES · STATEN ISLAND DIVISION

SPECIAL MEMORIAL EDITION · SEPTEMBER 2026

25 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE, SERVICE & BROTHERHOOD

Service, brotherhood, and the sacred promise to never forget.

A special issue for FDNY retirees, active members and families, gathering remembrance, association news, health reminders and the people who carry our story forward.

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.

FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association

September 11 observances

Remembrance events and local observances.

FDNY 25th Anniversary Ceremony

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at FerryHawks Stadium / SIUH Community Park, 75 Richmond Terrace. September 10 is the reported rain date.

Healing Garden Club Observance

Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 AM at Clove Road and Targee Street. Members are encouraged to attend in association shirts and hats.

SI Retirees Memorial Service & Candlelight Vigil

Friday, September 11 at 6:00 PM at Richmond County Yacht Club.

Regular Monthly Meeting

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

FDNY Retirees Christmas Party

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

From the Treasurer’s desk

September dues and membership-card reminder.

It is that time of year again. The dues letter will be going out at the end of September.

Please do not send 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. Dues are $40, and checks should be made out to FDNY RETIREES.

Jim DiMeo · Treasurer

In memoriam

Recent association passings.

The Association remembers these members and extends 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. 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.

Members are reminded to stay current with WTC Health Program monitoring and follow up on any new or worsening WTC-related conditions.

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

FDNY / retiree watch

Updates for members to watch.

01 · UFA leadership

Robert C. Eustace sworn in as UFA President

The Association congratulates Robert C. Eustace and wishes him success representing New York City firefighters.

02 · Staffing

Fifth firefighter discussion

Members should watch official updates as staffing, response-time and city budget discussions continue.

03 · Benefits

Pension and retiree healthcare

A state-budget pension update affects uniformed members who reach 25 years of service. Retiree healthcare advocates are also following Intro 1008. Verify current details through official sources.

Supporters

Please support those who support the association.

The FDNY Staten Island Retirees Association thanks the advertisers and professionals who support our members.

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