NEW YORK — In an event coordinated by the charity Answer The Call, four young family members of FDNY and NYPD heroes took center stage at Citi Field, delivering the ceremonial first pitch before a Mets game. This heartwarming tribute, as reported by the New York Post, included Hannah Cristiano, age 7; Charli Scalf, age 11; and siblings Jackson, age 7, and Stella Abear, age 5, as they honored the memory of their relatives who perished in the line of duty. The occasion marked the 40th anniversary of Answer The Call.
Jackson Abear expressed his excitement to the Post, saying, “It was so exciting to throw out that ball. I really couldn’t sleep last night, I was so excited.” He confidently added that he didn’t need practice to “throw it perfectly to my guy.”
Catherine Abear, reflecting on her late husband, NYPD Detective Raymond Abear, who passed away five years ago due to COVID-19 contracted while assisting crime victims in hospitals during the pandemic, shared the mixed emotions of watching her children participate. She remarked, “It’s bittersweet. It was really emotional and cool at the same time — Ray and I were both big Mets fans, so it’s quite cool to see them on the field. I’m raising them Mets fans!”
Donning a Mets-themed dress and bows, Hannah Cristiano paid homage to her grandfather, FDNY firefighter Tommy Farino, who was among the 343 firefighters who perished on 9/11.
The event was facilitated by Answer The Call, formally known as the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Founded in 1985 by Mets icon Rusty Staub, the organization has provided in excess of $180 million in direct aid to more than 1,000 families of deceased first responders. In the current year alone, the charity has allocated over $5.5 million to upwards of 500 families.
The organization ensures each family receives an immediate $50,000 payment within 24 hours following a line-of-duty death, complemented by an annual stipend of $11,000.
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