9/11 Patch Project News

Companies Stepping up on Behalf of 9/11 Organizations

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:26:00 +0000

What do you say to firefighter owned companies like HazSim that step up to sponsor non profit efforts like the 9/11 Patch Project? You say "Thanks" and do all you can to support their efforts that happen to improve the safety of firefighters around the world!

Money is tight for everyone--especially for relatively new companies. The 9/11 Patch Project realizes that so it becomes more about giving back to us, than just about accepting donations. Sure we need the money to stay afloat but we also believe it is our duty to step up as well and show our support through our social networking channels. That is why our Sponsor programs are not just about receiving donations--they are also about doing some round-the-clock promotion for those companies that step up for us. And we are getting pretty good at it!

HazSim was a natural fit for us as the HAZMAT training simulation software was something we felt would really be contributing to more firefighter and industrial workers longevity. Afterall, the owner is a Fire Captain at a major Southern California fire department and has been saving lives for many years. So he saw a need to improve firefighter safety and came up with a great product that he can use to save the lives of his brother firefighters.

So what is HazSim? I personally had the opportunity to see it work and it clicked with me right away. It is

software built into a device that HAZMAT personnel are use to using. During training at any given organization, a HAZMAT tech suits up, carries his monitor to a specific location. He scans the area with his device and and instructor from another location actually sends them data about the hazardous environment they may be walking into. The instructor can also make the process more interactive by sending the tech some Q & A relating to the environment. Until HazSim came along, training consisted of a static environment where a tech in training may just approach a simulated hazardous situation and see a note pinned to the door about what type of dangerous chemicals may be inside. HazSim has evolved HAZMAT training and people should take notice!

If you are a fire department or any other organization that deals with hazardous environments, I recommend that you take a long hard look at HazSim and what they are doing to improve the safety of HAZMAT Tech's through real-interactive-updated training simulation.

For other companies out there that are looking for a great organization that has remembered the heroes of 9/11 and raised funds for nearly 12 years, step on up and we'll do all we can--whenever we can--to make sure we step up for you. Our organization depends on companies like HazSim to keep our doors open and we can't thank them enough! More about our Sponsor programs HERE

Why?!

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 01:50:00 +0000

I asked the rhetorical "why?!" question and got plenty of answers when I posted it in several spots on Facebook. I think we all know "why" but none-the-less, frustration sets in and it seems to be one of the first questions that comes to mind after another tragic act of terrorism in a metropolitan U.S. city.

Someone was even charged up enough to call me a "dumb ass," as if I was really that naive.

Boston MA's marathon was as good as any for an opportunistic terrorist (whether domestic of foreign) and I'm sure there will be other targets. Sadly or better, "tragically," our semi-complacent and free lifestyle will be attacked again and again, and despite our law enforcements best efforts, they cannot plan for every contingency.

Where's that leave us? Raise your hands American's your all about to be deputized. We are fighting an ongoing battle here and it's up to all of us to evolve neighborhood watch into America's Watch. Example: You see a foreign national or other suspicious looking person drop a backpack into a trash container or leave it near a building and take off....don't leave and call the cops....start evacuating and clear the area...it's not natural. If early evacuation can occur, with a portable explosive of this size, lives can be saved and injuries greatly reduced by clearing them from the blast radius.

We are our nations law enforcements eyes and ears. We are the "tipsters" for our nations first line of defense and we owe it to our fellow American's to step up and take action. We owe it to all 8 year old American's to provide them with a safe environment at all times. Is it the bystanders faults for not noticing what this terrorist did in Boston? No. You can't blame innocent bystanders for believing that security precautions are in place during events like this, but you can include them in your contingencies by telling all visitors or participants to keep their eyes open for things that look at of place. I believe acts like these in Boston cannot go on completely unnoticed. Someone saw something that didn't look right.

Again, bystanders are not to blame here nor are the plans of law enforcement for events like these. There are just not enough officers to see everything they need to see...so that leaves us to be their eyes and ears whenever possible.

Take a simple thing like driving an automobile in the U.S. as an example: I personally drive like someone ahead of me will run a red light, swerve into me or pull out of a side street into my path. It's defensive driving and I have had no accidents over the past 35 years because of it. Should we not do the same when we are in public places or at events where thousands are gathered? We can be in a defensive mode and still have a good safe time.

We can't stop terrorism completely in America...but I think if we all put ourselves in a more defensive mode when at large gatherings, we may be able to reduce the fatalities and injuries should that one place we happen to be, become a target for these heartless cowards.

Just my thoughts....my heart goes out to all those who were injured or killed in Boston today.

The Sponsorship That Gives Back

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 22:59:00 +0000

What is a $911 Sponsor and how does it help our non profit organization as well as your company? The short answer is that it is a program initiated by the 9/11 Patch Project to help fund the project. Those who step up to become a $911 Sponsor receive a lifetime of promotion!

In these uncertain economical times, Fire/EMS and other companies are looking for the best bang for their buck. Ad's in major fire magazines can cost thousands and you never really know who sees it or how many sales are generated because of it. And, the Ad can be buried in the magazine--a magazine with a relatively short life span.

CASE STUDY: TheBattalion.TV has been one of $911 Sponsors for nearly 2 years now. You can see them on our sponsor page and even on display at the various trade shows we attend. For instance, during the San Diego Firehouse World show, the 9-11 Patch Project and our partners, Hero Industries and Xtreme Valor, had a 10X20 booth. Our non profit effort to remember the heroes of 9/11 and raise funds for 9/11 charities attracted the interest of the local San Diego KUSI Channel 5 News. We were the only exhibitor at Firehouse World to get the news coverage and this also brought attention to our sponsor, TheBattalion.tv. As you can see in this news clip, they received a few exposures due to their large poster we had on display at our booth.

As an admin to the Facebook NeverForget911 page, we also have the opportunity to post info on our sponsors to over 444,000 fans. We also promote those who step up to become our sponsors through our other 3 Facebook pages, Twitter and this BLOG that has well over 35,000 reads.

The $911 Sponsor is a one time donation and we will promote your company for a life time. Spend thousands on magazine articles, newspaper ads or even television ads; or put some of your advertising budget towards a worthy non profit organization and let us promote you through our social media sites as well as events and trade shows we hold or attend. More information on the $911 Sponsor program HERE.

Firefighters- Stand Up and Be Counted!

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 03:54:00 +0000

LACoFD firefighter| Ride for 9-11

Stand up and be counted and have the balls to answer your phones or emails and tell me why we should not respond to an FDNY firefighters request to not be forgotten...

LAFD Task Force Firefighter Berkery was shaking the hands of the FDNY firefighters he had worked alongside at Ground Zero in late September of 2001, when one grabbed his hand tightly--looked him straight in the eyes--and said, "PLEASE DON'T FORGET US."

I heard this story from my LAFD brother while visiting the local Starbucks. Those 4 words led me to take action and respond to the FDNY's firefighters request. I would make a special 9/11 tribute uniform patch and would try and get it on all firefighters uniforms across the U.S. This would be about honoring and remembering our lost 343 brothers--and it would be about taking on the world's largest effort to unite firefighters after the worst attack on the American Homeland in over 50 years.

I have lived the great loss of our brothers on 9/11/01 every day for over 11 years now. I can't forget as it has become my job to make sure others don't forget them. It has taken its toll on myself and my family but yes I realize...it is not about me!

And then firefighters from other countries began wearing the patch as if to say, it's our loss too. Even our deployed U.S. Military personnel began wearing the patch in solidarity with U.S. firefighters when the patch was introduced from a Navy SEAL Team 1 member while deployed in Afghanistan, in March of 2002.

Even with 10,000 organizations represented in as many as 30 countries, the patch and the idea, "WE WILL NEVER FORGET," is slowly dieing. It's as if fire departments in the U.S. and abroad are now saying, we will never forget for awhile...and then move on. It absolutely disgusts me to learn that some fire officials out there are actually making their members remove the patch--telling them it is time to move on.

Twice in 10 years, special mailers were sent to every fire department in the U.S. or approximately 40,000. There were not donations to pay the $15,000 for each mailing--it was my personal money and I had no business using it--especially after learning more that 75% of these mailers were not taken seriously and just thrown in the trash. WHAT? Yes, issues like this is not an approved nomex thread patch, or this is not an official request from a higher authority, or someone's probably just capitalizing on the opportunity to make money off the blood of dead firefighters.

As a former fire union president, I even mailed directly to other union presidents and got the poo-poo. What the hell? What happened to the so called brotherhood? Why did some departments come on board without question and others would not? Arrogance, ignorance, or even more prevalent in today's society of firefighters, skepticism! Are there other efforts out there to do the same? Should we choose from different vendors who may be offering a like-patch? Do we get three bids? Geeezzzeee! Even worse to be ignored by "brother" firefighters out there. What the HELL?

Here's the dope brother firefighters: There is no other national or international effort to get a 9/11

FDNY Ladder 163 Firefighters wearing 9/11 patch

Memorial or Tribute Patch added to the uniform. Stand up and be counted and have the balls to answer your phones or emails and tell me why we should not respond to an FDNY firefighters request to not be forgotten. Man up or hide behind your fricken email. Tell me why this does not make sense or why your organization has decided not to participate....just tell me something!

Even one of the largest unions in the USA took forever to get back to me when I asked for their support. The same union (IAFF) that I served as a local president for. When they did, there were those typical conditions; get both FDNY unions on board and we'll consider it. Knowing that most likely they would not support anything merchandise related with a 9/11 theme, I still received the endorsement and support from the FDNY's Uniformed Fire Officers Association, unanimously! The other larger firefighter union, who by the way benefited from the sale of patches to the tune of nearly $20,000, said we can not change our earlier position. Still with the one union on board, the IAFF simply vanished and refused to return my emails.

Let's talk about money. Short of the first 6 months of this effort in 2002, the sale or patches and decals has not been a great fund raiser. When you have one or two patches sold at a time and need to order 100 minimums to get better pricing, all you do is chase the inventory. Sometimes it takes nearly a month to sell 100 patches. That is not what the project is all about--these aren't souvenirs! So the project recently returned to its roots and its all about the team coming on board or no one.

What? You can't approve the patch for the uniform? Then get it on your jacket--your job-shirt--your turnout coat....stand up and be counted or sit down and ignore something that is part of your history of firefighting. Opt out and let your new firefighters learn about 9/11 once a year when you are forced to dress up and have your little obligatory ceremony in front of City Hall. I'm sure your brother firefighters in the FDNY will appreciate your yearly support!

After the 5 year mark of 9/11, I even introduced a patch with a firefighter, police officer and U.S. solider on it. People did not understand this was an effort from a firefighter to remember the loss of 343 brother firefighters so I expanded the project not because of pressure from police and other 1st responders, but because it felt like the right thing to do. Still, the comments from EMT's, construction workers and civilian family members came in chastising me for forgetting them. You can't make everyone satisfied no matter what you do...but I sure tried!

My closing thoughts (if you got this far): If you haven't figured it out by now, yes I am bitter. I am bitter towards my so called brother firefighters and especially, those who have totally ignored me for years. It is NOT about me and never will be. It is about our duty and call to remember. It is about wearing our hearts on our sleeves and sharing common threads. Finally, it is about one FDNY firefighters simple request that continues to be ignored by thousands of firefighters who would call themselves brothers! There is still much work to do...will you ever be on board? Stand up and be counted here: 9/11 Patches

Trial By Tire

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 23:38:00 +0000

Shredding a tire while traveling 70mph in the fast lane is never good for ones health--doing the same exact thing 60 miles further really makes one think!

Does lighting strike in the same exact spot twice? Everything I have ever read tells me that it is nearly impossible for that to happen. In my case, a long ride home from a trade show in San Diego to LA, proved to be an experience I will never forget.

I had been at Firehouse World in San Diego where we had exhibited a booth with the 9/11 Patch Project, Xtreme Valor and Hero Industries. It was a great time with great friends yet leaving to return home by 4pm, was something I was ready to do. I had very important career interviews the next day at noon and was really wanting to get home and prepare.

As luck would have it, I was giving one of our partners a ride back to his hotel when he frantically began checking his pockets for his car keys. Soon he discovered that his partner, who had left 45mins earlier, had taken his keys. So he made the call and asked her to drop his keys at a gas station off the 15 fwy and then asked me if I could take him there and then back to his hotel. There was no reluctance on my part, there was no question that I was going to help a brother out.

Traffic had precluded his partner from traveling more than 15-20 miles so it took us about an hour to get his keys and then return to his hotel--we had dinner in between.

By now, it was about 8pm and I decided to head over to the 5 fwy for a fast trip home. About 40 miles out of San Diego I began experiencing a major speed wobble and frantically attempted to keep my Sequoia under control as I made my way to the narrow emergency lane. I safely arrived next to a call box.

As I inspected the rear left tire, it had come apart on the rim and there was not much left--thoughts of a flat spare immediately entered my mind along with my meeting in the morning and a long wait for a tow truck. So I called and told the operator I had Geico road side service and he gave me a 60 min ETA.

While I was waiting, a CHP officer pulled up behind me and said it was best to try and move the vehicle to a safer and wider lane. I drove another mile as the tire continued to shred and tear apart the wheel trim and mud flap.

Finally, the tow driver appeared and suggested he replace the shredded tire with the flat spare--he would later put as much air as he could in it. All seemed to go well as I got back on the road and exited at the nearest gas station to completely fill the tire....read on, it gets better! (or worse, actually)

60 miles later, as I was about 30 miles from home, the same exact thing happened--the left rear spare tire completely shredded off the rim and I attempted to make my way to the right shoulder. There was much more traffic at this point and people would not let me get over. Finally, I made it to safety and noticed as I exited the vehicle, that much more damage had been done to the rear wheel well area. I felt lucky to have survived yet another shredding but at the same time, knew this was going to take me into the wee hours of the morning.

Again I called Geico and 30 min's later, a flat bed arrived. By now it was about 1am and all I could think about was my three interviews coming up at noon. By the time he had towed me and my wife arrived, it was about 2am and I finally made it home and in bed at about 3am.

Despite the life changing experience, I arrived for the three interviews at noon with little sleep, but still nailed them all!

Later on I thought about the experience and was thankful that my friend had left his keys in his partners car. Had I just went home from the event at 4pm as planned, I may have made it as far as the location where the 2nd tire blew--changed to the flat spare--gone home to go to bed--and then lost the spare on the way to my interviews. I am confident that I would have missed the three interviews if that scenario had played out.

It was truly a Trial By Tire that I had survived but also a personal experience that proved things do happen for a reason. That tire was going to blow and so was the spare. Having it happen on the open road late at night was much better than when my entire family was in the car--things could have been much worse!

Rescue 4 - FDNY's Terry Farrell

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:05:00 +0000

The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was established in memory of Terry Farrell, a decorated member of Rescue 4/FDNY and Chief of Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department. Terry, along with 342 of his brothers, perished on September 11th, 2001 in the World Trade Center attack. Our fund is here to assist Firefighters with educational, medical and equipment needs.

Every 3 days, on average a Firefighter gives their life to protect us. Every few minutes a Firefighter is seriously injured. The fund is here to assist the families of those Firefighters when the need arises. We support the Firefighters who serve our communities.

Brian Farrell, brother of Terry and President of the fund, is a gruff out- spoken man with a big heart who has raised 100's of thousands of dollars over the years in his brothers name. Many firefighters and their families have benefited from his persevering hard work since he began this national effort in 2002.

I met Brian on a phone call many years ago, and then finally in person only a couple of years ago. He is a big man with a big presence. Like fellow New Yorker and activist John Feal, Brian is not afraid to say what needs to be said and get the job done. I am proud to have Brian as a friend and happy to use the 9/11 Patch Project as a means to raise much needed funds for the Terry Farrell Fund whenever possible.

The Fully Involved Comedy Tour is the latest fund raising project initiated by the 9/11 Patch Project to attempt to bring a night of the healing power of comedy and fund raising to hundreds of Southern California residents. The Terry Farrell Fund is one of the great funds that will benefit from this event that stars actor and comedian, Adam Ferrara (Rescue Me, Top Gear U.S., Comedy Central).

As is mentioned on the Terry Farrell Fund website, without the help of citizens out there, his fund will cease to exist and our show will not achieve its fund raising goals. As is the case with the Feal Good Foundation (FGF), the Terry Fund helps firefighters and other 1st Responders in need today.

The 9/11 Patch Project is seeking $911 Lifetime Sponsorships to offset the nearly $12,000 it costs to produce this show which will be at the House of Blues in San Diego on Feb 20th.

Tickets range from $25 (standing room) to $45 (box seats) and can be purchased now from TICKETMASTER.

It is a sad truth that 9/11 happened 12 years ago and many have since moved on--even firefighters. We are indeed a resilient nation but too many of us have forgotten those we need to continue to remember and those who continue to need the nations help. Will you help us and our efforts so we can continue helping those great organizations like the Terry Fund and the Feal Good Foundation continue to do their best work? Remembering and continuing to give will make us a better nation.

Thanks in advance for whatever you are willing to do to support our efforts on Feb 20th down in San Diego. Here is more information on this great night of comedy and fund raising: Fully Involved Comedy Tour

HE WILL NEVER FORGET 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:21:00 +0000

John Feal- Activist for the health rights of 9/11 1st responders

900 more 1st Responders have died because of their selfless actions at Ground Zero...

Because of activist John Feal, (Feal Good Foundation) the Zadroga Bill passed through congress and the senate and over 50 different cancers were added to the bill. The Zadroga 9/11 Compensation is finally beginning to help the thousands who are still alive and dealing with mounting health bills. John is a good friend to the 9/11 Patch Project and we are continuing to raise funds for the Feal Good Foundation and several other related organizations. The 9/11 Patch Project's next event is the Fully Involved Comedy Tour at theHouse of Blues in San Diego on Feb 20th. This is a night of comedy (the healing power of comedy) and an event where all ticket sales will raise funds for the Feal Good Foundation and several other 9/11 related charities.

The tour is the co-production of the 9/11 Patch Project and Xtreme Valor, a company owned and operated by two of FDNY's bravest.

At the center of the event is an actor/comedian who is best know for his role as Chief "Needles" Nelson on the FX series Rescue Me. Adam is currently the co-host of Top Gear America and also has several Comedy Central hits to his name. Here is a message from Adam.

This event will not be successful without the participation of Southern California residents, local fire departments and the quests of Firehouse World. $911 Lifetime Sponosrships are also being offered to offset the nearly $12,000 costs associated with putting on a show of this caliber.

To help out with a sponsorship or attend the event, please follow this link with all details about this great night of comedy and fund raising: ALL ABOUT THE TOUR

Fully Involved Comedy Tour- Benefit

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 19:29:00 +0000

Adam Ferrara ;Rescue Me, Top Gear USA

On February 20th, 2013, Adam Ferrara will take the stage at House of Blues (San Diego) to perform two fund raising comedy shows. The event is called the "Fully Involved Comedy Tour." All ticket sales will benefit the Feal Good Foundation, Terry Farrell Fund, NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund & the 9/11 Patch Project Fund. Tickets available at TICKETMASTER.

Adam, best known for his role as Chief "Needles" Nelson in the hit FX series Rescue Me, is currently the co-host for Top Gear USA. Adam also has three Comedy Central hits to his name, including the hit, "Funny as Hell."

The two comedy-fund raising shows will take place during the annual Firehouse World convention at the San Diego Convention Center, located just a few blocks from the House of Blues. The shows will provide entertainment for the visiting and local firefighters and are open to the general public.

$911 sponsorships are being offered to help offset the costs of producing the two shows. In return for the sponsorship commitments, sponsors will have their logos & company names on the large stage banner, logo's- names- links in the show program and lifetime advertising and promotion benefits from the shows producer, the 9/11 Patch Project.

ABOUT THE 9/11 PATCH PROJECT:

The four 9/11 Patches

The 9/11 Patch Project is the world's largest, longest running and farthest reaching firefighter-owned 9/11 project. Formed in December of 2001, the projects goals have been to remember the heroes of 9/11 and raise funds for 9/11 related organizations. The four 9/11 Tribute uniform patches the project has sold for the past 11 years, have raised over $200,000 and become the permanent uniform tribute for over 9000 public safety and U.S. military organizations in 30 countries.

The project was founded by Firefighter/Paramedic Brett Hill who was active from 1986-2006 in the Southern California area. Retired after an on-the-job injury, Hill currently works as a Fire Inspector for Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Also, co-producing the shows, is the apparel company, Xtreme Valor (co-owned by two of FDNY's Bravest)

Nothing Sacred | No One Safe

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:32:00 +0000

If I told you there were three things we could change in the United States to slow down the killing--would you read on?

Another phrase to abolish in 2013: "Nothing like this has ever happened in our neighborhood." In our nation, it seems as if nothing is sacred and no one is safe. Whether it is the killing of innocent children by a deranged young adult or an old psychotic killer setting a fire with the intent to shoot and kill responding firefighters, there are no boundaries for such senseless and horrific pre-calculated murders in our country.

The media sensationalizes each event and we are glued to our TV's wanting to know more about each killer. But that is part of the problem. In fact, the very first thing we need to do is to stop spotlighting these killers--don't give these heartless animals the infamous ending they are looking for. It seems as if it is getting to be all about who can do the most damage, break the most sacred boundaries and accomplish the greatest amount of kills.

Let's try this: Put a ban on profiling killers in the media. Don't show their pictures--don't talk about their parents or how great a student they used to be. Give their sex, age and call it a day. We already know they have mental issues. We already know no one had a clue they would snap and become a mass murderer. Don't let the cowards get the publicity they starve for whether they off themselves or surrender to the police. Don't show their trials, don't put them on the front pages of our nations papers and don't make them the never ending story on television news or the Internet. I would guess for many, that they would reconsider their murderous spree if they knew they would not be named or have their picture posted all over the world's media outlets.

Secondly, parents need to raise their kids and not let them raise themselves. This is a true grass-roots-effort to try and keep our kids from growing up to be killers. We need to keep our children close and know what they are in to at all times. When they are 13 and they yell at us to stay our of their room, we need to calmly go back in--even if we stand there and do nothing we are doing a lot. Many children go astray and we as parents take the easy route by letting them. Don't yell at your kids as you lose control and they gain it. Be firm with punishment and stand your ground. Children need leaders as parents so they can learn to become good followers. If work, money and "your personal time" are more important to you, then you should make the decision to not have children. If you are too stressed with how your kids are controlling you, watch some "Dr Phil" and learn from other dysfunctional families. As American's we need to get back to traditional values and take our families back!

The third thing we need to change is to lead a defensive life style. Does that mean carrying a gun? Not necessarily and in most cases, not. When my 16 year old son first learned to drive the most important thing I taught him was to drive like others in front of him are drunk, running red lights or suddenly appearing out of side streets. If your eyes are constantly scanning in front of you from right to left, you will greatly minimize getting into a traffic accident. I have driven this way for 35 years and never been hit by another car. When you leave the market at 11pm scan the parking lot and have your key in hand. When you get in your car, lock it immediately. When you go to the mall or public places where there are many people, scan the crowds and look for people who are out of place. If you see one, follow them at a distance until you feel they are not a threat. Lastly, if you are are in public place and shots ring out--if you are close enough, jump on the shooter. If not you, who? By the time someone else reacts, there may be 20 dead bodies around you. Sure you may get shot attempting this, but it is better than being executed while you lay on the ground.

Domestic terrorism is the relevant issue. We need to look closer at the people around us who are "Americans" like us. We live in country and at a time where we have a greater chance of getting shot to death in a mall, school-ground, fire scene, theater, office place or just about anywhere else that people gather, than we do of being killed by another plane being flown into the skyscraper we work in.

Brett Hill- Former Firefighter & Founder- 9/11 Patch Project

Winding Down

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:27:00 +0000

On December 31st, 2012, the 9/11 Patch Project Store will be closing. This comes after 11 years of providing the 9/11 Patches, Decals and other fund raising items. With sales slowing to a crawl the past couple of years, it is evident that many people and organizations are not interested in making the patches or decals their promise to NEVER FORGET.

We understand there are people and organizations that have made the patches and decals their permanent tribute and will provide them the opportunity to stock up on any items for the next few weeks. You can still purchase these and other items on the website HERE, until December 31st of 2012 or at Firehouse World, in San Diego on February 20-21 (exhibit hall-- at the San Diego Convention Center.)

The Future of the 9/11 Patch Project: As for the patches and other merchandise, we will re-evaluate in one year and if the demand returns, we may reopen to provide the items. There are just not enough organizations interested in participating as a group anymore. Filling orders for single patches and decals is very time consuming and does not produce much in the way of donations. For example; we have to order patches at a minimum of 100 and there are 4 different patches. That is a $250 to $300 cost per patch for us each time we reorder, and folks are only buying them a couple at a time for keepsakes. By the time we recover the costs of the merchandise, we have to reorder again--so we are constantly chasing the inventory. That was not the case in the first 6 months of the project as organizations were coming on board with the project at 100-500 patches per order. That is how we initially raised $15,000 to donate to the FDNY's Uniformed Firefighters Association in September of 2002.

What does help us with fund raising are the projects we develop like the 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour and the Fully Involved Comedy Tour. The cross country bus tour netted about $6300 for each charity we support (NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, Feal Good Foundation and Terry Farrell Fund) and the success in fund raising for the Fully Involved Comedy Tours is yet to be seen. Sponsorships are vital to pull of the event in San Diego and we just don't have enough organizations coming forward to help out. So this is an ongoing concern as well.

MT SAC Fire Academy- Wearing 9/11 Patch since 2002

Patch Project Founders Thoughts (Brett Hill): 11 years is a long time to continue beating the NEVER FORGET drum. The sounds are still very audible for those deeply effected and becoming faint as the years pass; even for newer firefighters who don't feel the connection despite the fact that 9/11 and the loss of 343 firefighters is now a significant part of firefighting history. We are a resilient nation and we suffer losses and move one. The 9/11 Patch Project was formed to honor and remember these heroes while raising funds for worthy 9/11 organizations. As powerful and deeply emotional as this event in our history was, many have just moved on.

Can we sustain with the fund raising Comedy Tours? There is obviously nothing funny about 9/11 but top comedians coming together for great causes just makes sense. Laughter is great medicine and it helps us heal--the potential to raise a good deal of funds on behalf of those who show up, is a great result.

So if you have purchased the decals or patches in the past, now is a great time to replenish your stock. If you want one of the signed and numbered "Ground Zero Spirit" photos taken by Thomas E. Franklin, now is the time to pick up one of only 911 signed. I have filled most of the 10,000 plus orders over the years and would love to continue that work but it seems as if the people have spoken. I need to evolve the project or move on. How successful we are with the fund raising tours in the future, is once again "up to the people."

Thanks to all the supporters out there that have kept us and our promise to NEVER FORGET going these past 11 years!

Giving Tuesday?

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Just got back from a long days work at one of the 4 part time jobs that actually supports my family and I feel as if I have missed yet another opportunity to reach out to folks in hopes to get continued support for the 9/11 Patch Project.

11 years is a long time to run a project that asks folks to remember the heroes of 9/11 and needs donations to keep afloat- especially when there are other equally worthy funds to send money to. Obviously the one that comes to mind is those in need--those who continue to suffer and feel the effects of the Super Storm Sandy on the East Coast.

Still, as the largest firefighter owner 9/11 project in the world, I feel it is my duty to continue beating this drum and breathe life into this worthy project for as long as I possibly can. After all, there are over 10,000 organizations now, worldwide, that have stepped up the past 11 years to purchase the fund raising 9/11 patches and other items. And yes, there is an occasional donation that hits the website--I consider those donations to this non profit effort a rare but greatly appreciated gift. Usually those who step up, do so at the tune of $9.11 to get their name added to the 9/11 WALL of Supporters. I have not counted the names lately, but I believe the count to be over 200 since the WALL began over a year ago. They are names from people, public safety organizations and even companies from all over the world. The 9/11 WALL was created for those who wanted to step up and be counted among the supporters of this project that was originally the response of this firefighter to the loss of 343 brother firefighters.

Belgian Firefighter "Bob"

The project grew over the years to include the sacrifice made by Police Officers, EMS personnel and our U.S. Soldiers. It wasn't the marketing efforts that brought these other heroes into the project--it was deployed U.S. troops and other public safety heroes stepping up to participate in the project on their own. It was firefighters in other countries stepping up to say, there are no borders or politics involved here--there is only a brotherhood of heroes that span the globe and want to remember and honor the fallen heroes of 9/11.

This has fueled my efforts over the years and given me the motivation to grow the project. This picture of a Belgian Firefighter tells a story in itself. It proves that 9/11 truly affected the lives of millions around the globe. They want to step up and be counted, and thousands have over the years.

So on this "Giving Tuesday," I can only hope that the spirit of giving will motivate more folks to continue and step up to be counted. I can only hope that others who come to the Never Forget 9/11 facebook page take the time to learn more about this effort and consider at least a $9.11 donation and get their name added to the 9/11 WALL

Thanks to all who have read this far and thanks to the hundreds if not thousands of you out there that have stepped up to show your support--it means a great deal to me and the other 10 folks I work with that volunteer there time and efforts for this project.

Brett Hill- Founder/ Former Firefighter-Paramedic
9/11 Patch Project

Adam Ferrara Hosts 9/11 Charitable Event

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 04:19:00 +0000

As Top Gear host, Rescue Me star and comedian with several Comedy Central specials, Adam Ferrara is a busy man. But not too busy to host a 9/11 charitable event on behalf of the 9/11 Patch Project.

Adam is set to take the stage at the House of Blues in San Diego on behalf of the Feal Good Foundation, NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund and the 9/11 Patch Project Fund. The event will be held on February 20th with two comedy shows for an expected audience of 500 per show. The event is called the "Fully Involved Comedy Tour," and is the 2nd stop following comedian Ralphie May's hit shows in Baltimore, back in July.

Adam is no stranger to the 9/11 Patch Project. His friendship with our Director of Events & Marketing helped him become interested and involved with our fund raising efforts.

When Adam is not filming episodes of Top Gear he is hitting comedy clubs across the country. One of his best shows is a Comedy Central hit called "Funny as Hell," and he is! Adam has also appeared on the Jay Leno Tonight Show several times.

The shows in San Diego are being held in conjunction with the Firehouse World show and are open to the general public. All the net proceeds from ticket sales will be equally split between the four 9/11 charities.

The 9/11 Patch Project is currently searching for a "Title Sponsor" for both shows. This sponsorship gives the sponsor naming rights to the show, sponsor name on the House of Blues Marque, large logo on stage back drop banner, large logo on cover of show program, large logo on booth banner at the Firehouse World show and many other benefits. More on this sponsorship and others at this LINK.

To pull off a show of this magnitude and insure there are significant funds raised, sponsorships are vital. Please consider becoming one of our sponsors for this great event and we'll make sure your organization gets the promotion it deserves; you help us--we'll help you!

For those that want to attend the event, tickets are now on sale at TicketMaster and the House of Blues.

New Never Forget 9/11 Decal

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:06:00 +0000

In honor of the 11th anniversary of 9/11, the new "Never Forget 9/11" car decal was recently released by the 9/11 Patch Project

The decal is a larger 5" round decal made with 3M decal material. The decal is fade resistant and will not harden or ruin a painted surface. This means the decal will work great on the outside of a vehicle or apparatus window and also on any painted surface.

The artwork for the decal comes from Las Vegas Firefighter and artist, Allan Albaitis. Allan is also the owner of FireArt and has put out some incredible graphics and paintings over the years.

This is also the first time that the 9/11 Patch Project has utilized artwork from an artist or company outside of the project. The decals are $6 each and can be purchased by following this link: 9/11 Patch Project Store.

Here is a picture that shows the decal on a vehicle as well as the scale or size compared to our other 9/11 Decals:

In addition to privately owned vehicles, the decal makes a great 9/11 Tribute for your fire department apparatus.

This decal adds to the 9/11 Patch Project's fund raising items. More about where the proceeds go HERE.

Powerful Example of Making a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Donation Drive Headed by TheBattalion.TV

I met David Furtado about a year ago when his company, TheBattalion.TV, became one of the 9/11 Patch Project's $911 Sponsors. What I found fascinating about David was his dedication to showing America what the nation's firefighters do on a daily basis, many times out of his own pocket. Not only did he create over 120 edited videos with voiceovers during 24 hour ride-a-alongs in America, but he also went to Canada, Mexico and other countries to do the same.

It was during his ride out with Mexicali Fire that Furtado discovered there was more to do that showcase the work of Mexicali Firefighters--they were working in unsafe conditions and were in desperate need of basic firefighting equipment.

Furtado found that if firefighters could not afford to buy their own gear, they didn't have it. Firefighters were working with holes in their boots and less than safe bunker gear. Even some pre-connected fire attack lines on the engines did not have nozzles.

So Furtado stepped up and created a nationwide drive to acquire donated gear from departments across America so that Mexicali Firefighters could do their job safely. His efforts yielded donations from the following organizations:

35 sets donated by Westampton Township Emergency Services in Westampton New Jersey
15 sets of bunker gear donated by Prince Georges County Fire and EMS
50 sets of gear from Vince Moffitt from Farmington Colorado
21 Sets of gear from the FOOLS Organization and they are continuing the drive.
50 sets from Chestermiere Fire Service from Chestermere, AB, Canada

At the 9/11 Patch Project, we applaud the efforts of David Furtado and TheBattalion.tv and hope that others will step up and help organizations like Mexicali Fire do the best work they can utilizing gear that helps keep them safe. To get involved click HERE

Thanks David!

Escape Artist | Hilarious Comedian | Silent Auction

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Firehouse Expo & 9/11 Patch Project's Fully Involved Comedy Tour will be a huge night in Baltimore! Starting at 6pm, on July 19th, we will start off the night with a huge Silent Auction, hosted by BW Unlimited--featuring signed Sports Memorabilia, unsigned items, jewelry, gift baskets, travel packages and much more. 100% of the proceeds of the auction and the show, will benefit the Feal Good Foundation, Terry Farrell Fund, NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund and the 9/11 Patch Project Fund.

Around 7:30, amazing escape artist Spencer Horsman, seen recently on America's Got Talent, will open the show with a death defying escape! As the youngest escape artist in the world, at 26, Spencer has already thrilled millions of TV viewers by escaping the giant jaws of a bear trap while hanging 20 feet above the stage in a straight jacket and also escaped drowning by freeing himself from a locked water tank while holding his breath. What will he do on stage in Baltimore? You don't want to miss this!!

Finally, our headline act was a former contestant on Last Comic Standing, and has already had four specials on Comedy Central. Ralphie’s record breaking fourth Comedy Central special, “Too Big to Ignore” aired March 4.Voted one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch, Ralphie May spreads his comedic wealth further than ever by tackling topics that will make you think and occasionally squirm. With no subject off limits, Ralphie dives in and reveals the hilarious quirks that infiltrate politics, race and even his family. Lovable enough to get away with anything, Ralphie continues to capture the hearts of thousands on his sold out tours and promises to make you gleefully uncomfortable.

The Fully Involved Comedy Tour is an official event of the Baltimore Firehouse Expo and is also open to the public. With only 4 days left, grab your tickets while you can HERE. Special thanks to our Gold Event Sponsor is the Feal Good Foundation.

Night of Comedy to Benefit Four 9/11 Charities

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:55:00 +0000

July 19th, 2012, at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center, comedian Ralphie May will star in the Fully Involved Comedy Tour. There are two shows, one at 8pm and the other at 10:30p. Tickets are available HERE.

This is a special show co-produced by Firehouse Expo an the 9/11 Patch Project and will raise funds for the Feal Good Foundation, Terry Farrell Fund, NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund and the 9/11 Patch Project Fund. The event is part of the Firehouse Expo convention and exhibit in Baltimore and also open to the public.

Come help us raise funds for some great 9/11 Charities and get entertained by a great popular comedian at the same time. There will also be a Silent Auction outside the ballroom that will open at 6pm. There will be some great sports memorabilia and other awesome items there to bid on. This auction is also part of the fund raising for the (4) 9/11 Charities so please head out early to participate.

Please pass this on to all Firehouse Expo participants and residents of Baltimore. The event is 10 days away--let's sell this great event out.

Thank you!

Heard the Numbers "9/11" a Bit To Much?

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Son of FDNY's John Mc Namara at fathers funeral

It is time to step up. There are too many spectators continuing to watch stories of 9/11 continue to unfold. We need more folks to take action--yes, we are asking for your help! --DON'T STOP READING NOW, PLENTY OF GOOD STUFF BELOW--It has been over 10 years since the tragic events of 9/11 but it is never time to move on from the memory of our fallen heroes and those who are still battling life threatening illnesses from their heroic acts at Ground Zero. 343 FDNY Firefighters were lost on 9/11 and over 800 more Responders have died since then from cancers and respiratory illnesses. FDNY's John Mc Namara was one of them.

You may think that you have heard the numbers "9/11" far too much but just think about the families of the fallen and the 1^st Responders, still suffering serious health consequences from their selfless actions working “the pile”—they will NEVER forget!

Moving on from the acts of terrorism and promoting healing is the right thing to do. However, the healing process continues and the need for support is constant. Too many folks still on the sidelines watching with the mentality that they are not directly involved so what is there to do? Wake up call--there is plenty to do and a strong need to move folks off the sidelines and into the battle. If you live in the U.S., you need to be involved. Period.

The 9/11 Patch Project was founded because of four words that were spoken by an FDNY Firefighter at Ground Zero, “Please Don’t Forget Us.” Those words have been acted upon by over 8000 organizations around the world that made a promise with us to NEVER FORGET. They stepped up and made that promise with us by adding one of the 9/11 Patches to their uniforms or one of the 9/11 Decals to their apparatus and vehicles. In participating in the project, they also helped us raise funds for 9/11 related organizations that continue to promote that healing and bridge the tremendous gap of support that the government provides for them.

Without the Feal Good Foundation (FGF) and the relentless activism of founder John Feal, the Zadroga Bill would not have passed through Congress and the Senate. And 50 different types of cancers would not have been added to the bill. By the way, John Feal stepped up big time to support an event you will read about below--he bought the largest sponsorship! Is everyone ok with this? The event is supposed to raise funds for his foundation. That should bring someone off the sidelines!

Without the Terry Farrell Fund (named after fallen FDNY firefighter Terry Farrell) Brian Farrell, his brother and President of the fund, would not be able to support fire organizations in the U.S. who are at risk due to failing or nonexistent apparatus and protective equipment. There would be no scholarships to assist in much needed training and there would be sick and injured firefighters out there left without much needed financial aid. By the way again, Brian stepped up and was the very first to buy a bunch of tickets for the same event that will also benefit his fund. Is that ok with everyone?

Finally, without the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, many children of fallen FDNY firefighters would not have the opportunity to afford a formal education. And a third by the way, the FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers (Administers the Scholarship Fund) stepped up and through all their support to the 9/11 Patch Project. If we're good enough for the FDNY, we should have your organizations support too!

Today, selling patches and decals does not raise much money for these critically important funds—especially when they are bought one or two a time by those looking for souvenirs. Arranging fund raising events like our Fully Involved Comedy Tour, does. Last year with the help of FireCareers.com, our 10 Yr 9/11 Manhattan to Manhattan Tour raised nearly $20,000 that was equally split between the organizations mentioned above. These fund raising events do work!

So move on from the tragedy of 9/11 but join us in our eternal pledge to NEVER FORGET the heroes of 9/11 and those sick and injured that continue to need our support. It may be American to be resilient but it is not very American to forget those who are still sick and may die soon. It is also not very American to forget the hundreds of 1^st Responders that gave their lives on 9/11 so that thousands can still be alive today.Of course we are not talking about everyone--many have stepped up but many others are perfectly happy to let them get involved while they look on.

The economy is tough for everyone. Understanding that everyone has a threshold on what they are able to contribute, the 9/11 Patch Project has provided many levels of giving that can fit anyone’s budget—anyone. It may mean replacing something you do with your family for a night but the feeling of contribution should result in a much better feeling for you and your family. Here are the different levels of support we offer on our website—please make a commitment today and choose to get involved. Help us make a difference:

9/11 WALL: Add your name for as little as $9.11 or 3X that to add your web link with your name

Fully Involved Comedy Tour with Ralphie May & Mike Lombardi: Buy a ticket or two. If you can’t make it, gift it to a friend that can.

9/11 Patches & Decals: Outfit your entire organization with them—make it your organizations promise to never forget.

Life Time Sponsor: It’s the cheapest sponsorship on the block and it gives your company/organization tremendous bang for your buck. Most important--you make a very visible commitment of support everywhere we go!

On behalf of the Feal Good Foundation, the Terry Farrell Fund, the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund and the 9/11 Patch Project Fund, we thank you in advance for stepping up and helping in any way that you can.

9/11 Patch Project Seeking Partnerships

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:52:00 +0000

The idea of partnering came to us when The Decal World contacted us and asked if they could partner with us on a product. They had created a beautiful 9/11 Rhinestone Shirt and wanted to find a charitable 9/11 Organization to donate $10 per shirt to. So we talked and with a week, we had the shirt on our site and began co-promoting it with them.

How does it work? Actually, it is quite simple. We create a product together (using one of our 9/11 Patch designs or one of yours) and you sell it as you do other items on your site. We create a image and profile of the item on our site and it has a button that will click right through to where you offer it on your site. We agree to a portion of each sale that goes back to the 9/11 Patch Project Fund and we are off and running.

You can see how this looks with the 9/11 Rhinestone Shirt on our site now: 9/11 Patch Project Store Once we put this up on our site (took about 10 minutes), we advertised the fund raising deal on Facebook and sold 7 shirts the 1st day! This helps you with sales, gives you the opportunity to add a "give back" item in your store, and helps us raise funds for our project and our fund raising partners; NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund & Feal Good Foundation.

We also partnered nearly a year ago, with Capital One, to create the only approved non profit 9/11 Cards. We currently have over 30 card holders. This program kicks back $50 per new cardholder and 1-2% of their purchases on a quarterly basis.

So let us know if you have an idea on an item we can partner with you on. The process does not take long and we could use the help with our fund raising activities. If you are interested in this concept, please EMAIL me with your ideas and we'll see it we can make it work!

John Feal Steps up for Fully Involved Comedy Tour

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:11:00 +0000

John Feal- Founder, Feal Good Foundation

"Then John did something that blew me away. He asked what the largest sponsorship was and then committed to be the first to buy one. I quickly responded by saying, John, this is a fund raiser for the Feal Good Foundation...how can we take your sponsorship money?"

From injured demolition expert at Ground Zero, to activist and advocate for the 40,000 injured or sick that worked the pile at GZ. "No 1st Responders Left Behind," is the tag line of the Feal Good Foundation, created by John Feal in 2005. It's not just a catchy tag line but rather, it completely describes the lengths that the FGF went to in order to insure the Zadroga Bill passed though Congress and the Senate. And most recently, to insure 50 different cancers were covered under the bill.

As the founder of one of our nation's 9/11 Projects, I met John over two years ago--during the heat of the battle. With the purpose of the 9/11 Patch Project to remember the hero's of 9/11 and raise funds for 9/11 related charities, it was a no brainer to add the FGF to our short donor list. Although we have raised only a drop in the bucket for his foundation, we recently teamed up with Firehouse Expo to bring a night of comedy and rock to their three national Expo's (Baltimore, New Orleans and San Diego) with our main purpose to raise funds for the Feal Good Foundation and two other 9/11 charities.

I spoke to John a couple of days ago to catch up. We talked about the show and some of the difficulties in getting companies to come forward. Many were opting out due everything from the economy to concerns over the image of their company. Then John did something that blew me away. He asked what the largest sponsorship was and then committed to be the first to buy one. I quickly responded by saying, "John, this is a fund raiser for the Feal Good Foundation...how can we take your sponsorship money?"

John is very straight forward and always means what he says. He has already proven by his actions these past 7 years that if he is going to do something...no one can stop him! So, reluctantly I agreed but with the goals to multiply his money and give it right back during the show in Baltimore. I truly want to do that for him and the great work he has done all these years.

Question is, if John will step up and make such a large commitment to an event that is for his Feal Good Foundation, who else out there will step up and follow his lead? Ticketed events with headliner comedians like Ralphie May and hosts like Rescue Me's Mike Lombardi, should have no problem selling out. What company would not want to put their name with such a great event that will potentially raise thousands for great organizations like John's, the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund and the Terry Farrell Fund?

John is a remarkable man but he is not wealthy. For him, it is about principal and spending money where he feels it is needed. He stepped up when others wouldn't because he felt it was the right thing to do and that is his character. Who else out there will step up and help make sure this fund raising event is as much a success as it needs to be?

My challenge to all exhibitors at the Firehouse Expo or any companies in Baltimore, is to step up and be counted. Most of you will get tickets for this show as it is also the official entertainment for the event--you will most likely be going anyway. Maybe it is unrealistic for some of you to come up with the bucks that John did, but you can afford to be one of our $911 Lifetime Sponsors. Nothing would make me happier than to turn around and multiply John's gift during our event in Baltimore. And nothing would make John, myself and the others that are working to make this event a huge success, more proud, than to look out and see the logos of companies that stepped up, printed on huge banners hanging near the stage.

Exhibitors and companies of Baltimore...it's your move!

Damaging Comments

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Mon, 28 May 2012 03:20:00 +0000

Every so often, after posting links on FB to purchase the 9/11 Patches and other fund raising items, someone will make a damaging post suggesting this project exploits the heroes of 9/11. These folks don't bother to visit the website to do their homework first--they just decide on the spot that someone is making money off the blood of our 9/11 heroes. They couldn't be father from the truth!

This project, run by a Firefighter for over 10 years, is actually endorsed by the FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Assoc. and has raised money for three 9/11 Charities over the years, selling these items. Just ask any of the FDNY Firefighters from the Fire & Ice Hockey Team how they feel about wearing the 9/11 Patch.

A simple visit to the website and some quick navigation, people would see that on the DONATIONS page, the charities that we donate to our listed--there are copies of some of the checks we have sent over the years--and there are even thank you letters that came to us from the organizations we donated to. We are even a registered non-profit and reference that several times on different web pages.

If folks really understood all that has gone into keeping this project alive and running these past 10 years they would realize that the founder has actually lost his own money by putting in $75,000 over the ears, when it was necessary to keep it going.

And for four months in 2002 when the project started, the founder filled orders for 4 months straight--selling one $3 patch (at the time) to raise over $15,000. That money raised was donated to the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association exactly 1 year form the tragic events of 9/11. How long does it take to raise $15,000 selling $3 patches--patches that cost nearly $2 to make?

True, there are unscrupulous people out there profiting off the events of 9/11--no doubt. But this is definitely not one of them. The project founder has gone to great lengths to provide full transparency about this fund raising and remembrance project--but if you can't take a moment to make a visit to the website and see this, you should absolutely be ashamed of yourself for making any unfounded and damaging comments about this project. Thank God there are folks that know we have been teamed up with NeverForget911 for 3 years and will step in when these comments are made and defend our organization.

Selling the patches, decals and other merchandise to raise funds has always been a difficult challenge. We have to pay vendors for these items and are always chasing inventory to keep items in stock. Hours are spent filling orders--many for a single patch or decal--and when we are down to 1 or 2 of a specific item , we have to order hundreds to keep the costs down.

That is why we recently teamed up with Firehouse Expo to bring the Fully Involved Comedy Tour to 3 nationwide Fire & EMS Expos. These large fund raising events will allow us to bring in more funds to these organizations. Last year with our 10yr 9/11 Anniversary Manhattan to Manhattan Tour, we brought in $6300 each, for the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation.

So if after reading this you want to help, please visit the website and look around at the different ways you can contribute to our goals of remembering the heroes of 9/11 while raising funds for 9/11 related charities.

Take Action--I Double Dare You!

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Orange City Firefighter, NJ

There was no whining--no bureaucratic road blocks--no hesitation whatsoever when the Orange Fire Department in New Jersey received a flyer from the 9/11 Patch Project asking for their department's participation back in 2002. They had just lost 343 of their brother FDNY firefighters months earlier, and honoring their memory made perfect sense. The fact the project was created by another fellow firefighter and was also a fund raiser--was a no brainer to them. This picture is of an Orange City Firefighter from New Jersey. The Original 9/11 Patch can be seen on the firefighters turnout coat--worn from years of firefighting but none-the-less it is still there representing how Orange Firefighters remember their fallen 343 brothers of the FDNY.

There are thousands of organizations around the world who have made one of the four 9/11 Tribute Patches a permanent part of the uniform, job-shirts, jackets or turnouts. But it has not been easy. What are the road blocks? Why is getting one of these patches from the only project of it's kind (honoring the memory of our fallen 9/11 heroes) on every departments gear such a task?

Having worked as a firefighter/paramedic and union president in a fire department on the west coast for over 20 years, I have seen the mentality of some organizations out there but don't get it. It has really been about getting everyone on the same page or even getting the issue put to vote. Even the size of the department is not always the issue--its really about who is in charge in the union and the department itself. If the leaders aren't on board for whatever reason, then the rank and file can be left out of the entire process.

To help that decision to come on board with the 9/11 Patch Project as easy as possible, the project has even gone to great lengths to create as much transparency as possible on the website. The project even received an endorsement from the FDNY's Uniformed Fire Officers Association and has donated many 10's of thousands over the years to 9/11 related charities. And as a registered non profit, this worldwide effort to unite firefighters and place a permanent tribute on all uniforms, should have been a no brainer from the start.

LTJG Everett Alcorn- U.S. Navy

Too many folks are looking for a controversy where there is none and using any reason they can think of to opt out of something that may take a bit of effort but may end up being one of the best projects they had ever participated in. Still the patches can be seen on the uniforms of firefighters around the world and even deployed U.S. Soldiers.

So what did one of the largest Fire Departments in the nation do when I approached their union leader during the 10 Year Anniversary of 9/11? He was from Chicago Fire Department. He returned my call within 20 minutes--said he'd welcome our 9/11 Bus tour into their training center--called out his people to meet us--allowed us to present the project and even had the Fire Commissioner there to approve the 9/11 Patch for all FD job-shirts. This man is a leader and can make a decision!!Had he said no, I would have at least respected the fact he was willing to take my call and then make a decision.

There are emails, newsletters and even flyers that have been sent out to all U.S. departments at least twice over the past 10 years. Many were discarded as "junk mail" and members of many departments never even saw info on the project when it was killed at the union president or chief level.Why? Shrug it off to general laziness or the suspicious nature of firefighters.

Here's a news flash: This project is not a money maker for project founder Brett Hill! I have even put over $75,000 of my own money into this project over the years to keep it going. This has contributed to my own financial hardships and put a strain on my family of 5, one of which is my daughter with special needs. Am I whining? Not at all...just putting it all in perspective and just looking for folks to standup and be counted or sit down and say "NO."I keep this project running as I believe it is my calling and the right thing to do. I also do this as years ago when I heard the words, "Please Don't Forget Us," relayed to me from an LAFD firefighter, I made a promise right there to NEVER FORGET.

So if you receive and email from the 9/11 Patch Project in the future, have the guts to act on it and not hide behind the fact you can just ignore it. You may not believe that we should have a uniformed tribute to remember the heroes of 9/11--you may just believe it's time to move on and forget. But have the balls to respond either way.

If you believe in what the project has done over the past 10 years, then please take action! Visit the website and learn more HERE.

Comedian Ralphie May Comes to Baltimore to Benefit 9/11 Charities

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Ralphie May- Headliner

Comedy Central sensation and one of the top new comedians to watch, Ralphie May, will star with Rescue Me's Mike "Probie" Lombardi, in a night of comedy and rock that will raise funds for (4) 9/11 related charities.

The "Fully Involved Comedy/Rock Tour," event is co-produced by Firehouse Expo and the 9/11 Patch Project and will be at the Baltimore Convention Center on July 19th, with doors opening at 6:30p. Also, Mike Lombardi will be the host and his band will also play during the evening. Click HERE to listen to a message from Mike about the event.

This special fund raising event will benefit the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund, the Feal Good Foundation and the 9/11 Patch Project Fund.

This event is Baltimore is also open to the public and we'd like to invite all folks who will be in the Baltimore area or attending the Firehouse Expo to come out and be part of this great night with us!

Table sponsorships and other sponsor opportunities are available by contacting our Rob Kaiser (Dir. of Events and Marketing for the 9/11 Patch Project).

Adam Ferrara at the FDIC & 9/11 Patch Project News

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Adam Ferrara known as "Chief Needles Nelson" from FX's Hit TV show "RESCUE ME" will be signing autographs at the Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, April 20th, 2012 from 12pm-2pm. Pick up your picture for Adam to sign at the 9-11 Patch Project booth #10082.
Adam will be this years entertainment and emcee for the "Battle of the Bands," at the FDIC (Fire Department Instructor Conference) This event is "The World's Largest Firefighter Training Conference and Exhibition."

Your donations will help the 9-11 Patch Project and it's other charities , NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, Terry Farrell Fund,and the Feal Good Foundation.

Also at the 9/11 Patch Project booth we will be selling the 9/11 Patches, Decals, Pins, Flags and other fund raising items. You can see these items HERE.

9/11 Challenge Coin

Among some of the new fund raising items from the 9/11 Patch Project are the 9/11 Challenge Coin, the 9/11 Firefighter Dog Tag and the 9/11 Never Forget wristbands.

It has been over 10 years since the 9/11 Patch Project started it's work in December of 2001 to remember the heroes of 9/11 and raise funds. Many have asked us if we would produce a Challenge Coin and we finally have done it! The first run of this special coin is 250. Click this LINK to get yours today.

9/11 Dog Tag & Challenge Coin

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The 9/11 Patch Project recently released the 9/11 Firefighter Dog Tag. Due to the popularity and long-standing history of the Original 9/11 Patch design, we have created a Stainless Steel Dog Tag. Made of 1.25mm thick stainless steel, this stunning dog tag keychain is precision-etched and features a special, protective lacquer coating on both sides. Comes with a 26″ ball chain so you can wear it around your neck and keep the heroes close to your heart. Size: 2″ x 1-1/4″ We also added two more items to the 9/11 Patch Project Store; a 9/11 Never Forget Wristband and a 3 3/4" 9-11 Tenth Patch. Follow this link to purchase these items now: LINK

We are also proud to be releasing our 1st 9/11 Challenge Coin. After several revisions, we have finished the coin and it is currently being produced. We anticipate them being ready for sale in less than a week. These high quality coins would normally sell for about $18-$20 but we are selling them for only $12! We feel this is a fair price, allows for many to be able to purchase the coin and still allows us to raise funds. If you want to reserve your coin(s) please email project founder Brett Hill with the amount you want and we will add you to the list. Those that get on the list, will have first dibs on the coins. We currently have reserved 50 and will have another 200 reserved in this first round.

Meet Christophe, the 9/11 Patch Project's Belgian Rep

noreply@blogger.com (9/11 Patch Project) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:11:00 +0000

The 9/11 Patch Project involves the support and participation of over 8000 organizations in 25 countries. Christophe Knop, a Belgian Police Officer, has been the 9/11 Patch Projects official representative for the country of Belgium since November of 2011. Christophe recently visited New York and met with the NYPD, the FDNY and toured the 9/11 Memorial. In his own words,

"My name is Christophe and I am a Police Officer from Belgium. My heart beats USA for the full 100 %. One and a half years ago I ordered a decal from the 9/11 patch project. At that moment I subscribed myself on the newsletter.

About 6 months ago I received the newsletter and saw that Brett Hill was looking for some volunteers in other States to make the project well known.I replied to tell him that I was interested but that I was living in Belgium. That was no problem and since then I am proud to be a member of the 9/11 patch project team.

It’s not so easy to promote the project in Belgium because for lot’s of people it’s a far from their bed show. But I am doing my best and for myself, I proudly have a decal on my car and wear a patch on my vest. Take care and stay safe. Knop Christophe"

Thank you Christophe for all you do for the 9/11 Patch Project!

Are you in Belgium or Europe? Contact Christophe for more information on how you can support the 9/11 Patch Project or obtain the 9/11 Patches, Decals or other merchandise HERE