FCAM, Presents $5GDonation to FisherHouse

The Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) presented a $5,000 donation to Fisher House of Boston during the first day of their Professional Development Conference at the DCU Center in Worcester.

The check, which was given to Fisher House of Boston Executive Director Jennifer DeLuca, was donated by FCAM in honor of keynote speaker and former White House Chief of Staff General John Kelly and conference sponsor Eversource Energy.

Fisher House of Boston provides free lodging to the families of military members who are receiving medical treatment in Boston hospitals.

“We believe that a military member who raises his hand and says that he will serve his country, that his family is drafted along with him that very minute. So, here in Boston we take care of the entire family,” DeLuca said during the conference. “I just can’t tell you what this donation means. Because I know I get to cover more families that are coming here to Boston. So, with my hand on my heart, I thank all of you for supporting us and supporting our United States military.”

FCAM President James Vuona said the donation was one of the highlights of the year for their organization.

“It’s truly an honor to be able to support such a wonderful cause and mission. Many people in the fire service have served in the military, including several of the chiefs and those in attendance at the conference,” Vuona said. “To be able to kick off our three-day conference with Gen. Kelly’s keynote remarks and then the donation really means a lot to us.”

DeLuca was joined on stage by Brandon Laird, a Marine veteran who stayed at Fisher House of Boston for months while he was having surgical reconstruction on his face. During his stay there, Gen. Kelly came to visit and met Laird for the first time. Tuesday provided an opportunity for the two to meet again and catch up as fellow Marines.

“To say the least, they (Fisher House of Boston) have taken tremendous care of that young man. It’s just miraculous his recovery,” Gen. Kelly said of Laird. “It was wonderful seeing him again. It’s a Marine thing. We’re going to talk the same language and have the same attitudes. He’s a guy that’s endured an awful lot, and he’s a good man and it was great to see him.”

The FCAM Professional Develop Conference was held from February 28 to March 2, 2023, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

The conference is the premier professional development and training conference for fire chiefs in Massachusetts and features several distinguished speakers and industry experts.

- Photos courtesy of FCAM & Chief Anderson (retired)