Denis Leary, the actor and comedian known for his role in 'Rescue Me' and the voice of Diego in 'Ice Age', has turned a 'crazy idea' into a successful fundraising event for fire departments. Since 2016, the Leary Firefighters Foundation has hosted the Denis Leary FDNY Firefighter Challenge, allowing civilians to train alongside New York firefighters for a day. The event, held at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island, is the only day each year when non-firefighters can experience hands-on emergency response training.
Participants engage in activities such as rushing into burning buildings, carrying fire hoses, searching for survivors, and rappelling down buildings. Leary noted that while participation is voluntary, many attendees push their limits after witnessing the teamwork and expertise of firefighters. Actress Julianna Margulies, for instance, initially planned to coach but ended up rappelling down a high-rise simulator in full gear.
The event attracts actors, athletes, and corporate sponsors, raising significant funds for fire departments across the US. David Morkal, a retired FDNY battalion chief and foundation board member, said grants have increased from $200,000 to $850,000 annually, with a goal of reaching $1 million this year. The funds provide equipment and training that many volunteer departments cannot afford.
Leary founded the foundation in 2000 after a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts, killed six firefighters, including his cousin and a childhood friend. The foundation's mission, according to Morkal, is to ensure firefighters have the tools to return home safely after a fire. John Tyson, assistant fire chief in Talladega, Alabama, expressed gratitude for a forcible entry trainer received from the foundation, which is used almost daily and enhances the department's effectiveness.
International Association of Fire Fighters President Edward A. Kelly noted that while the foundation fills a critical gap, it should not be necessary for governments to provide adequate funding. Leary's event continues to grow, with this year's edition marking a decade of support for firefighters nationwide.
