About

Mission:  The EMS FDNY Help Fund is a 501(c)(3). The funds that we raise are designated expressly for the Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics of the FDNY. Our mission is to ensure the security of our Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics and their families in the event of death, injury, illness or hardship. We seek to provide our dedicated EMS professionals with peace of mind.

Current Financial Information:

EMS FDNY Help Fund Financial Report June 30, 2025

990 FORM: FY2024 990

501(c)(3) Determination Letter:  Feb, 26, 2019

Past 990 Financial filings are available on ProPublica.

EMS FDNY Help Fund 2025 Fact Sheet

The EMS FDNY Help Fund currently has two programs:

• We were founded to support FDNY EMS members who are undergoing financial hardship and need financial assistance. 
  
  

• Reisenbach Philanthropies has provided a Housing Security grant for EMS FDNY impacted by Catastrophic Events.
  
  The Reisenbach Philanthropies recognizes that the EMS FDNY Help Fund provides a safety net to 4,567 EMTs and Paramedics that serve as frontline medical care providers across NYC’s five boroughs and as of 25 years ago, they are part of the FDNY. We call them NYC’s street doctors as vulnerable NYC populations often will not seek medical care until it is an emergency.
  
  We want FDNY EMS impacted by Financial Hardship, Natural Disasters and Pandemics to be able to stay in their existing housing - whether they rent or own - in order to continue their work as “NYC’s Street Doctors”, rather than losing their existing housing and further disrupting their vital work.

  
  Here is the application for Financial Assistance.
  

• Confidential Counseling Services are available.
  FDNY EMS members and their families who need immediate confidential counseling should call or text 988. Don’t wait. Connect with someone who will listen and help. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

  
  
  
  

  The EMS FDNY Help Fund has partners that can provide treatment on a less immediate basis:

  • Hands on Health Associates - EMS Hotline: 1(646)838-3948 provides expedited access to confidential mental health services. Through this program, clients will be able to:
    
    

    • Speak to someone directly within minutes of contacting us,

    • Receive services via telehealth or in-person,

    • Be connected to an experienced counselor (knowing your concerns are not shared without your consent),

    • Not incur any additional costs for treatment (beyond your insurance payments and co-pay),

    • Maintain the care you need as long as you need, and

    • Include your partners and family members in your treatment, or pursue couples or family therapy.

      Contact Form or
      Primary Phone: 1(347)547-3626

      EMS Hotline: 1(646)838-3948

      E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
      
      

  • National Institute for Psychotherapies can provide longer term psychotherapy, EMDR, medication consults, etc. 
    
    

• We welcome your donations to support our services.

EMS FDNY Help Fund Board of Directors:

Kathleen Knuth, Chairperson 

Kathleen Knuth is currently EMS Deputy Assistant Chief at the FDNY. Kathleen is also President of the FDNY Women’s Benevolent Association.

Buffy Redsecker, Vice Chair

Buffy Redsecker is the President of the SunLight Time Foundation. She is a past board chair of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Playwright, Diver, Explorer, Historian, Cat Behaviorist and a supporter of the EMS FDNY Help Fund since early 2020.  She has a degree in Ancient Military History from the Univ of Maryland.  She lives downtown with her husband and their two cats.

Carl Gandolfo, Secretary 

Carl Gandolfo is a Paramedic at the Fire Department City of New York. He is also Vice President of The Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors – F.D.N.Y. – Local 2507.

David Cira, Director 

David Cira retired in 2026 as Captain of the EMS Training Academy, within the New York City Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services Operations which he served for 27 years. David is committed to advancing NYC EMS and is leading the EMS FDNY Help Fund 2027 Golf Classic.

Khadijah Hall, Director

Khadijah Hall is an Emergency Medical Specialist-EMT of the Fire Department City of New York. She was awarded the Isaac Liberman Public Service Award at the 2018 Hundred Year Association of New York Public Service Awards. She has also received the Christopher Prescott Medal and the Lilo/Quinn Medal.

James Hamilton, Director

Jaime Hamilton is an attorney specializing in e-discovery.

Rev. Pamela Holmes Saxton, Director

A native of New York, New York, Pamela Holmes-Saxton, is a Reverend at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York and an FDNY Chaplain. Pamela graduated from Connecticut College with a Bachelor’s in Government and American History; The Graduate School of Political Management (at George Washington University) with a Master’s in Campaign Management and Princeton Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity.  Her swearing in was featured in the NY Times - A Fire Dept. Chaplain Breaking Barriers - The Rev. Pamela Holmes will be sworn in today as the Fire Department’s second female chaplain, and the first Black woman in the role.

Kim Hranicky, Director

Kim Hranicky is a dedicated professional with a background in marketing and international business, having earned a BBA in Marketing from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a Master’s degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management. With a decade-long career in computer software sales, Kim later took a hiatus to focus on raising her children while actively engaging in community service.

Driven by a passion for giving back, Kim is committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by EMTs and driving positive change within the community.

Brendan McCormack, Director

Brendan McCormack is a 24-year veteran of the FDNY EMS - an EMT, a senior drill instructor at the FDNY EMS Academy, a member of the FDNY Ceremonial Unit and a CLI (Certified Lab Instructor) EMS Instructor.  

Gary Miller, Director

Captain Gary Miller retired in July 2020 after 32 years of EMS service in the Fire Department City of New York.

Nadra Pelicano, Director 
 
Nadra Pelicano joined the Board on January 13, 2025.  Nadra is currently EMS Deputy Chief at the FDNY.

Manuel Ramos, Director 

Manny Ramos is a retired Lieutenant EMT from the Fire Department City of New York.

Indre Saviciute, Director and Gala Chair

Currently, Indre leads her consulting firm, TAIP LLC, where she delivers tailored solutions to help businesses achieve operational excellence and strategic growth.

Danielle Gustafson, Executive Director

Danielle Gustafson supports the Fund with more than twenty years experience as a Digital Brand and Marketing Leader and has pivoted from Financial Services to Not-for-Profit Leadership. She is known for serving as a trusted advisor and partner for all stakeholders - team contributors to C-Suite and Board.