The Sponsorship That Gives Back

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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