A retired 9/11 FDNY firefighter is retrofitting a fire apparatus to be used to carry the caskets of Las Vegas fallen firefighters
Although Frank Pizarro lives in Las Vegas now, he had been an FDNY firefighter for more than two decades, KVVU-TV reports. Illnesses related to Sept. 11 forced Pizarro to retire.
As an FDNY firefighter, Pizarro was familiar with how fallen firefighters were honored by the department, and he wanted to bring the same treatment to Las Vegas. Pizarro was able to work a deal with the Old Tippen Fire Department in New Jersey for an apparatus.
“On the East Coast, we had send-offs for our firefighters and retired when they passed away," Pizarro told KVVU. "And they have full-size fire engines that they retrofitted with a lift to carry caskets. Upon doing some research I noticed that the firefighters here don’t have that same option. I would try to bring that service and honor those guys fallen here."
The apparatus was delivered to Pizarro over the weekend. Las Vegas firefighter Las Vegas firefighter Mark Saragosa will be storing the rig in his new garage.
The memorial apparatus will be dedicated to Raymond J. Pfeifer, a firefighter who spent his last days fighting for 9/11 benefits for first responders. Now Pizarro is trying to raise money in order to customize the apparatus.
“I’m collecting the funds … to also have it retrofitted, get the water tank taken out- re-diamond plated,” he told KVVU.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to raise the necessary money. Go to Pizarro's page about the memorial apparatus for more information.
"(W)e have to let the families know and let them, give them a sendoff with honor, so they know their sacrifice wasn’t in vain, and that they’re taken care of, and they’re remembered, and they can take some pride,” Pizarro told KVVU.
