The
rows of medals Jimmy Curran wore on his uniform were testaments to
his valor. The New York Firefighters' Burn Center Foundation, which
he served so faithfully and well, is a testament to his character.
Jimmy
was initially assigned to Ladder 116 where his energy and drive were
recognized and resulted in a transfer to Rescue 4. Then, upon
promotion, he switched boroughs but remained in a rescue company as
a Lieutenant in Rescue 1. Regardless of assignment, Jimmy reveled in
the challenges of firefighting. His hustle and take charge attitude
produced an outstanding firefighter and fire officer.
But
Jimmy's enthusiasm for action did not stop with the order to
"take up". When he was introduced to Joe Hickey and Jack
Meara, co-founders of our Foundation, he immediately volunteered his
services and jumped in with both feet. Whatever had to be done to
advance the growth of our fledgling Foundation, he did. On many
occasions - when a speaker was needed to address potential
benefactors, for instance - Jimmy was there. In fact, our Foundation
has never had a better, or more amiable, spokesman.
When
Joe and Jack stepped down from leadership of our Foundation, Jimmy
stepped up. As President, he attracted and recruited like-minded
individuals to our cause, he conceived and implemented countless
projects - projects that resulted in raising millions of dollars for
the Burn Center - and he formed close and productive relationships
with scores of physician, nurses, and hospital administrators. He
went everywhere and anywhere if it would help burn victims. The
enormous good will Jimmy generated for our Foundation, and for all
firefighters, is incalcuable.
There's
no doubt about it: Jimmy Curran will be a hard act to follow. But
follow we must if we are to continue the life saving work he so ably
carried forward. Along with his family and legions of friends. we
grieve his passing. But we also honor his life: May he rest in peace
after a life well lived.
I am
deeply humbled to have been chosen by our board of directors to
succeed Jimmy as President of the Foundation, and look forward to
your continued support in all of our future endeavors.
