UFOA fundraiser honors firefighters, raises scholarships for children of fallen FDNY members

At an annual scholarship golf outing and dinner, organizers said the Uniformed Fire Officers Association honored Tash Shapiro and raised funds for college scholarships for children of firefighters who died while serving New York City.

Unidentified Speaker 1, an event speaker, opened the program by saying, "Every day, firefighters put their own lives at risk to save others," and described the fundraiser as a way to support families after line‑of‑duty deaths and occupational illnesses.

The event included recognition of Taj Chaparro, described by an event speaker as "a public relations legend" who has worked with the UFOA. Organizers said the UFOA honored Chaparro with a New York State proclamation.

Speakers cited the scale of FDNY operations to explain community needs. An event speaker said the department responds to more than 300,000 fire and non‑fire incidents annually and more than 1.6 million medical incidents, and maintains roughly 250 firehouses and ambulances. Those figures were presented as context for the scope of services firefighters provide.

Unidentified Speaker 2, another participant at the event, described firefighting as a unique calling requiring specialized skills and selflessness, and said the scholarship fund helps children continue their education after a parent's death in service.

Organizers framed the scholarship fund as a pledge to support the families of fallen firefighters; they said it ensures children of firefighters and fire officers who died while serving the department can receive college scholarships.

Reporting for BronxNet, Nicole Rosado.