Benefit to Help Local Fireman Who Became Sick after Sept. 11

Ray Pfeifer, an ex-captain of the East Meadow Fire Department (EMFD) Engine Co. 3  “Pride of the Meadow” and member of FNDY Engine Co. 40 and Ladder Co. 35, has dedicated his life to helping others.

Now, his family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances are banding together to aid him in a time of need.

After sifting for months in the rubble left behind by the fateful day of Sept. 11, 2001 searching for his fallen comrades and civilians alike, Pfeifer is battling Stage Four Hypernephroma. Expensive cancer treatments and “exhausted” insurance have left him and his family paying for his medical expenses, according to Friends for Ray.

Those close to Pfeifer decided to hold a benefit in his honor to help with the costs on March 31 at the East Meadow Firefighters' Benevolent Hall.

“I think it will relieve the pressure on my family, which being sick put a lot on my family that we weren’t able to do” said Pfeifer of the fundraiser, noting that he had to “raid” his two children’s college funds to cover some of his treatments.

His brother, Joe Pfeifer, who has been a member of Engine Co. 3 for 26 years, explained that Ray did not work on 9/11 “because he switched with another guy.” That was the "start of him being at the pile every single day trying to find those guys — he was there every day," Joe added.

“They took his kidney out, they took his hip, his femur,” said Joe about the medical issues Pfeifer has faced since. “They are trying to work with him as best they can to try to get the cancer under control. It is not looking good right now... It is really not coming under control as of yet.”

Pfeifer, who grew up in Levittown, currently resides in Hicksville and is still working for the FDNY through his extensive cancer treatments. Joining the EMFD in November 1976, he said that he “comes from a family of people who gave to the community.” Pfeifer’s father has served the EMFD for approximately 50 years.

“Firefighting is his life,” Joe said. “He is a great teacher… he is just an unbelievable teacher.”

Joe said that this fundraiser is important “because all of the bills aren’t being paid.” He added that his brother’s surgeries and medical bills are not done yet, and there are “more bills to come.” The Zardoga Act does not currently cover cancer care for 9/11 rescue workers, according to the Huffington Post.

“He is very adamant about not having the fundraiser for himself,” Joe continued. “He loves helping people—that is his gig.”

“This whole thing, it’s way overboard. I’m usually doing these things,” Pfeifer said.

Pfeifer added that he is overwhelmed by the support he and his family have received from friends at the EMFD and FDNY.  “There is no way I can thank these guys – it is unbelievable,” he said.

“I hit lotto when I got this fire department job,” Pfeifer said. “I love being a NYC fireman…those boys joined forces with East Meadow to run this fundraiser. It is bizarre the outpouring I am hearing.”

The fundraiser will run on March 31 from 2-8 p.m. at the East Meadow Firefighters' Benevolent Hall. Admission is $40. For additional information on the benefit, visit the event’s website at FriendsForRay.com.