N.Y. Police and Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund

08/20/2026

Ihsan Sajaa and Iman Naila Abdur-Rahman, daughters of FDNY Paramedic Salih Abdur-Rahman (Ultimate Sacrifice: 10/29/2025), recently participated in the Junior Knicks Summer Basketball Camp courtesy of the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

They both had the chance to meet the legendary Larry Johnson and Ihsan won an award for rebounding! The camp took place next to the station where their father was previously assigned, an unexpected and special connection that made the experience all the more meaningful. We’re grateful to the Garden of Dreams Foundation for making moments like this possible for the families we serve. 🧡🏀

08/03/2026

Isabella Tolley, daughter of FDNY Firefighter William Tolley (Ultimate Sacrifice: 4/20/2017), recently had her Day in the Life Experience at the NYPD Forensics Lab where she got to explore the science behind crime scene investigations. From DNA analysis and fingerprinting to ballistics and trace evidence, she experienced forensic science firsthand. Isabella’s favorite part was seeing innovative 3D technology used in ballistic comparisons and the experience strengthened her dream of pursuing a career in crime scene investigation. Special thanks to the NYPD for coordinating and hosting this unique experience!

07/30/2026

At our 41st Annual Game & Family Day, we were proud to present the Spirit Award to our longtime supporters at Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd.

For many years, Allied World has stood alongside Answer the Call and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the families of New York City’s fallen first responders. Their significant contribution this year builds upon that longstanding partnership and will help ensure that our families continue to receive the meaningful support they deserve.

We are incredibly grateful to the entire Allied World team for their generosity and continued dedication to our mission. It was an honor to recognize their remarkable impact with this year’s Spirit Award!

07/29/2026

Answer the Call celebrated 41 years of our most cherished tradition, our Game & Family Day on June 25th at Citi Field. ⚾ The most special part of this tradition is having the family members of our fallen heroes throw out the honorary first pitch before the game in honor of their fallen heroes. This year, the following children participated in this longstanding tradition: Ihsan Sajaa Abdur-Rahman, Daughter of FDNY Paramedic Salih Abdur-Rahman (Ultimate Sacrifice: 10/29/2025); Donovan Brady, Nephew of FDNY Lieutenant Patrick Brady (Ultimate Sacrifice: 11/8/2025); and Ahyan and Azhaan Islam, Sons of NYPD Detective Didarul Islam (Ultimate Sacrifice: 7/28/2025).

07/28/2026

Today marks the one-year anniversary since NYPD Detective Didarul Islam made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting civilians from a deadly shooting in Midtown Manhattan. Detective Islam left behind a wife and three sons, the youngest born in August 2025, just weeks after his passing. The anniversary of this tragedy reminds us of the heroism of first responders everywhere, selflessly putting the lives of others before their own. We promise to never forget Detective Islam’s life and to always stand beside the family he left behind. Join us in supporting the Islam family and all the families we serve by making a donation at answerthecall.org

07/27/2026

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s extraordinary generosity has touched our families in ways words can hardly express. Inspired by their gift to Answer the Call, sisters and Associate Committee members Lauren and Elizabeth Koslow shared a personal letter and family photos reflecting on what this support means to them.

Their grandfather, FDNY Deputy Chief Thomas A. Reilly, died in the line of duty in the 23rd Street Fire in 1966, leaving behind their grandmother and six children, including their mother. Nearly 60 years later, Lauren and Elizabeth are continuing his legacy of service and giving back to the organization that has remained by their family’s side.

Their words are a powerful reminder of how deeply this generosity is felt by the families of our fallen heroes. Thank you again, Taylor and Travis, from the entire Answer the Call family!❤️

07/27/2026