FDNY heroes don superhero costumes for sick, grieving children across NYC: Seeing the childrens smiles
These caped crusaders are on a special mission.A super team of iconic movie characters dubbed the Humble Heroes of FDNY are celebrating 10 years of donning superhero costumes for Big Apple children who need them the most.The collection of heroic New York City firefighters, NYPD officers and public school teachers have made the rounds to dozens of schools, hospitals and grief camps.“Just like the [fire] department, it’s always about giving back and stepping up to help out others,” said firefighter Rob Vogt during a Humble Heroes visit Friday to PS 357R Robert Randall School, a special-needs school in Staten Island.“We had a hospital visit last month,” Vogt recounted in his Superman garb.“There were kids in isolation, and we couldn’t necessarily see them, but just seeing us in a window changed their whole day: the nurses told us everything, how grateful they were.” The first responders were met on Friday with cheers from kindergarten through second-grade students, who lit up at the sight of their favorite big-screen characters walking the halls.“My favorite part is seeing the children’s smiles,” said city public school teacher Jillian Valverde, who donned a Batgirl costume.
“Oh, my goodness – some of them, they light up.They run over to you.
They are filled with love.“That’s definitely the most rewarding part of it.” Alongside the caped crusaders, firefighters Rich Cendali, Andrew Costello and Gary Chan appeared as the Green Lantern, Thor and Spider-Man, respectively, while NYPD Detective Matt Schmalix moonlighted as Deadpool.Longtime FDNY firefighter Timmy Liss, who serves as the driver for the Humble Heroes, called the costume initiative an “easy transition” for everyday heroes.“Firefighting is a noble profession and, obviously, this is a noble cause,” said the Staten Island-based smoke eater, who is assigned to Engine 155’s Family Assistance Unit.
“This is an easy thing for firemen.“They love doing this stuff.”T...