06/07/2026
Wow. Where do we begin? How do we begin to thank the extraordinary amount of people who absolutely showed up last night, as well as the last couple of months. From the day we made the JC Strong stickers, to the final moments of breaking down tables following last nights steak fry, so many friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers, have been absolutely pivotal and extremely supportive in our goal of helping and standing strong with Jack and his family. You all crushed it, and Jack, his family, as well as Local 1485, couldn’t be more grateful. It reinforces why we do what we do. Because in this fire service community, this family, when times get tough, no one shows up more than you all. The firefighters, their wives or husbands, their children, loved ones, the retirees, and all of their friends, immediately stand tall and support one of their own. The love in that room last night was palpable and it’s a night that will never be forgotten. To everybody who played a roll, whether it be donating raffle baskets and reaching out to your connections asking for help, International Meat Market who supplied the amazing steaks, Gators Pub for the potatoes, plates, and napkins, the union hall and it’s staff for always providing the space where memories like these are made, the wives who put in hours building baskets, the members who ran around in the days leading up to the event and well as setting up, working the door or handling raffles, the members who cooked and absolutely nailed it, to Bob Dias for providing the grills and charcoal needed to cook 200 steaks(yes……200), to the friends and family who helped in the kitchen throughout the night, to Impact Apparel for the shirts we’ll be sporting non-stop, a huge thank you to Joe Vingi who MC’d all night and provided possibly the biggest raffle prize of the night, and last but DEFINITELY not least, our brothers and sisters from our neighboring departments, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Cumberland, North Providence, Lincoln, and Smithfield. As soon as you heard we needed some coverage, you all jumped at the opportunity to volunteer, as always. We are well aware you always have our back, and we’ll always have yours! And finally……thank you all, dearly. For showing up, for donating, for showing your support, for always being there when you’re needed most. Last night absolutely could not have been made possible without you, and it will never be forgotten. Jack thanks you, his family thanks you, and Local 1485 thanks you. forever.
With all the love and respect,
Central Falls Firefighters Local 1485
