Our founders 

In 1972, Firefighters Joe Hickey and Jack Meara were deeply moved by a news photograph of two Vietnamese children who had been severely burned by napalm. The men considered bringing these children to New York for treatment. To their surprise, they discovered that there were no medical facilities in the New York area devoted exclusively to the treatment of burn injuries. 

Alarmed, the firefighters began working with physicians and other concerned citizens, and in 1975 established the Foundation. Thanks to the equal dedication of the medical community, the Burn Center opened shortly afterward. 

A key leader 

When the late Jimmy Curran, who was then a Lieutenant in Rescue 1, was introduced to the Foundation’s founders Joe Hickey and Jack Meara, he immediately volunteered his services. When he became the Foundation's president, Jimmy Curran recruited equally enthusiastic individuals to support the cause. Their efforts went on to raise millions of dollars for the Burn Center. 

Moving forward 

The Foundation continues to be staffed, led and largely governed by current and retired firefighters. No compensation has ever been paid to any firefighter associated with the Foundation. 

The Foundation now seeks to broaden its reach to welcome involvement from beyond the firefighting community. We aim to never forget our roots, but to honor the vision of those who came before us and to stretch the horizon of what we can achieve.

The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity, non-profit organization our firefighters founded in 1975, dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education, and the proper treatment of burns.

During the Vietnam War, two New York City Firefighters, Joe Hickey and Jack Meara, were deeply moved by a news photograph of two Vietnamese children who had been severely burned by napalm. They wanted to help these youngsters. They thought that with a little help from friends they might be able to bring these children to New York for treatment.

They then discovered, to their surprise, that there were no medical facilities in the New York area devoted exclusively to the treatment of burns.

While hospitals coped with burn victims as well as they could, there were none that specialized in the treatment of severe burn injuries.

Alarmed by their findings, the firefighters decided to do something about the situation. As other firefighters joined in their efforts they began working with physicians and other concerned citizens, and were eventually instrumental in the establishment of the BURN CENTER at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Our goal is to make quality burn care available to all who are seriously burned, regardless of age, race, creed or economic status. This site is designed to inform you of what we do including: upcoming events, fund-raisers, and burn care assistance.

Firefighters and members of the Burn Team have a special empathy for burn victims. No other group witnesses more of the devastation that fire wreaks on the human body.

No compensation has ever been paid to any firefighter associated with the Foundation or with its fund raising activities.

The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation financially supports many efforts of the prestigious New York- Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and its William Randolph Hearst Burn Center. The Burn Center treats more than 900 inpatients (a third of those being children), and 4,000 outpatients annually. 

The Foundation provides substantial contributions to the hospital and the Burn Center, including to: A general fund for burn wound healing, care and research efforts; a skin bank; a hyperbaric oxygen chamber program; a fellowship award for physicians specializing in burn care; the Firefighter Jeff Giordano Children’s Playroom; specialized equipment when needed; and the Department of Rehabilitative Medicine to enhance scar management and functional outcome of all burn survivors, whether they be adults or children. 

The Foundation, too, sponsors training and continuing education by sending Burn Center staff to advanced training seminars and to the American Burn Association’s annual meeting. This helps staff remain on the cutting edge of innovations and the latest medical thinking in burn treatment. 

As important, the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation provides activities and parties that boost morale for the Burn Center's team and patients alike. Many a child’s face has brightened upon seeing a firefighter visit dressed as a clown. Many a doctor’s face has broken into a grin on such occasions, as well.

While the majority of the Foundation's efforts go to support burn victims, the Foundation also nurtures its relationships with important partners in the burn-care and firefighting communities. Such relationships include our support of, participation in, or collaboration with: 

The Fire Department of New York City 

As first responders to fires, public safety and medical emergencies, disasters and terrorist acts, thousands of brave men and women protect the lives and property of New York City residents and visitors. 

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors 

This non-profit group is dedicated to empowering all those affected by a burn injury. The group offers peer support, education and advocacy. 

The Society also runs the World Burn Congress. This national conference brings together hundreds of burn survivors, family healthcare providers, firefighters and anyone affected by burn injuries. In 2009, the World Burn Congress holds its annual meeting in New York City. 

World Police and Fire Games

This athletic event is open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel. In 2011 (the 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001), the games will be held in New York City. 

American Burn Association Members

As both a model and a peer group, our Foundation is in contact with other like-minded organizations, exchanging ideas, inspiration and resources.