Leary Firefighters Foundation

06/15/2026

Our condolences are with the Odessa Fire Rescue and all impacted by the tragic loss of Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who died in the line of duty while battling a structure fire in Odessa, Texas.

Isai was a member of the Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years, and is remembered by Chief Jason Cotton as a “True firefighter” who was “Always happy, always willing to help, and truly enjoyed the job.”

Two other firefighters were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please keep his family, friends, community, and fellow firefighters in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult time.

06/11/2026

Join us in wishing a happy birthday to one of our board members, Michael Ferdman. 🎉

Michael joined our board of directors in 2022, inspired by an admiration for the courage and sacrifice firefighters demonstrate every day.

We’re grateful for his dedication to our mission and commitment to ensuring firefighters have the resources, equipment, technology, and training they need to stay safe while serving their communities.

Happy birthday, Michael! 🎊

06/08/2026

Post-Traumatic Stress can look different for everyone. What were your signs, and what did treatment look like for you?

06/05/2026

June is Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Awareness Month.

Studies have shown that rates of PTS in firefighters are comparable to those in other similarly situated high-stress occupations, such as police officers and military veterans.

Knowing the signs, seeking support, and having open conversations about mental health are important steps toward healing and recovery. If you or a loved one in the fire service needs someone to talk to, help is available 24/7.

To talk to someone immediately:

➡️ Dial or text 988 for the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
➡️ Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line

For additional resources, visit the 🔗 below https://bit.ly/4o9Tpmh

05/28/2026

Denis Leary recently joined Dr. Preston Cline on the Mission Critical Team Institute podcast, Teamcast, for a powerful conversation on “Residue” — the emotional and psychological aftermath of intense experiences.

Stream the podcast below to hear Denis’s perspective in this meaningful conversation. 🎙️

Actor and Leary Firefighter Foundation founder Denis Leary joins Preston Cline to discuss residue, grief, and what method actors share with mission critical operators.

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten, and their memory lives on in every act of service that follows.

📸: New York City Fire Department (FDNY)

05/24/2026

Our thoughts are with the Boston Fire Department and family of firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff, Jr., who died in the line of duty while battling a three-alarm fire on May 23rd, 2026.

Bobby was a third-generation firefighter, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and a proud Boston firefighter for 24 years.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, fellow firefighters, and loved ones during this difficult time. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/21/2026

“Firefighters are going to be exposed to many things that can lead to physical and mental issues. Seek medical treatment and reach out for help when needed. Early detection and support can be the key to good health.” —Retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Lieutenant Mike Ciampo

Mike Ciampo is a fourth-generation firefighter who served 34 years with the FDNY in Engine 46, Ladder 44, and Ladder 45. Before joining the FDNY, he served five years with the District of Columbia Fire Department.

Early in his career, Mike strived to earn the respect of fellow firefighters while learning from his mentors. That passion later motivated him to help shape the next generation of firefighters entering the job after 9/11.

“You must have passion and love for the job to stay motivated and pass on the knowledge and experiences to those who follow and ensure they’re equipped to meet the daily challenges they’ll face.”

Mike offers the following advice to new firefighters: “You don’t learn this job overnight; it takes multiple platforms to educate yourself. I have a short phrase: ‘eyes, ears, and experiences.’ Use your eyes to read, watch videos, and observe others on the fireground. Use your ears to listen to senior members mentoring you, podcasts, and radio reports. Experience comes from training with tools and performing tactics in drills or on scene. Eventually, you’ll develop into a firefighter and be ready to act immediately when called upon.”

Today, Mike continues to serve as a fire instructor, author, and longtime contributor to Fire Engineering magazine, helping train firefighters across the country through his writings and experiences. As an occupational cancer survivor, he also advocates for stronger cancer prevention efforts and greater awareness of firefighter health, emphasizing, “Hopefully, we all can improve on wearing our facepieces and staying on air, then decontaminating quickly to prevent exposure to deadly chemicals.”

Join us in thanking Mike Ciampo for his decades of service, leadership, and contributions to the fire service.

05/16/2026

We extend our condolences to the Morrill Fire Department, family, and friends of Firefighter Andrew Cross, who died in the line of duty on Friday, May 15, 2026, while responding to a fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine.

At least 10 others are in serious or critical conditions due to injuries sustained at the scene.

This loss is felt throughout the fire service and beyond. Please join us in keeping all those affected in our thoughts.

05/13/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that you don’t have to carry the weight of the job alone.

Talking openly about mental health is a powerful way to reduce the stigma in the fire service and remind others that they’re not alone, either.

If there’s a coping strategy, wellness tip, or resource that has helped you, mention it below. It might help someone else going through something similar.

🎥: The Call We Carry: Confronting PTSD in the Fire Service – full documentary available on YouTube.