WHO WE ARE:
The NY Police and Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, also known as Answer the Call, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance and a network of support to the families of FDNY Firefighters, FDNY EMTs, NYPD Police Officers, and PAPD Police Officers killed in the line of duty including those we lost due to COVID-19. The organization was founded in 1985 by NY Mets Hall of Famer, Daniel “Rusty” Staub. Since 1985, the organization has helped over 1,000 families and has distributed more than $175 million.
HOW WE HELP:
Answer the Call believes the best way to honor fallen heroes is to help those they loved the most – their families. When a member of the FDNY, NYPD, or PAPD is suddenly killed in the line of duty, Answer the Call immediately provides $50,000 to the grieving family. They then continue to provide the widow or widower with an annual stipend (currently $10,000) for the rest of his or her life, or for as long as they have the means to do so. If there is no surviving spouse, Answer the Call will provide an annual stipend to the fallen hero’s children until they reach the age of 21. On average, Answer the Call provides each family with more than $300,000 over the course of a widow or widower’s lifetime. In addition, Answer the Call hosts special events and programs throughout the year to provide families an opportunity to connect with one another. In 2024 alone, Answer the Call expects to distribute more than $5 million and to help nearly 550 families.
HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT:
Answer the Call is the only nonprofit organization that provides both immediate and ongoing support to the families of fallen heroes of the New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, and the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey. Answer the Call’s long-term commitment to the families truly set it apart from other organizations that may make a one-time contribution to these families. In addition, Answer the Call is unique in that it serves the families of multiple departments (NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD) and as a result can provide these families with a much larger network of support.
