Blog

2023 Answer the Call Empire State Building Lighting

On the evening of Sunday, October 8th, the Empire State Building graciously shone in Answer the Call’s colors, red and blue, in memory of all of our fallen first responders and their families. The Empire State Building lighting serves as a symbol of our collective commitment to honoring and never forgetting those who have made…

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Meet Our 2023 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Brianna Weppler

Running with Team Answer the Call was “an easy decision”, for Brianna Weppler, whose grandfather was a member of the FDNY. Running in his honor, Brianna is training for her third New York City Marathon.  During the Covid-19 shutdown, Brianna made it her mission to learn how to love running. Since then, she has competed…

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Meet Our 2023 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Tyler Levin

As a New York law enforcement officer himself, Tyler Levin knew he wanted to find a charity he could “personally connect with” after deciding to run the TCS NYC Marathon. With both his stepfather and best friend in the law enforcement field as well, joining Team Answer the Call seemed like a no-brainer.  Though this…

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Meet Our 2023 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Renee Botello

As a wife to a state police officer and a longtime resident of the tri-state area, Renee Botello felt connected to Team Answer the Call. She describes the charity as extremely close to her heart, as her husband is a member of the Honor Guard, supporting funerals to those who have been killed while serving…

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Meet Our 2023 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Jessica Jacobson

For Jessica Jacobson, running for Team Answer the Call “felt like fate”! While watching last year’s New York City marathon with a friend, Jessica was approached by one of Answer the Call’s beneficiaries, a woman whose husband had been killed in the line of duty. She explained to Jessica that their daughter was running for…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Jack McNelis

After being a runner for so many years, Jack McNelis made it a goal of his to run this year’s marathon with Team Answer the Call. Jack participated in other half marathons such as the Indy Mini and the Disney Marathon in the past. He was a cross-country runner at his high school in his…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Erin Neville

Having several people in her family who have served in the Police Department and Fire Department, Erin Neville is proud to be able to run for Team Answer the Call for a second time. Her first time running for the team was last year, 2021. Erin has always been active and played sports her whole…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Andrew Webber

Andrew Webber is a former college lacrosse player for Clarke University. Despite several knee injuries throughout his career, he started training for a half marathon post college and hasn’t stopped running since! Andrew has run several half marathons in the past, and even ran with Team Answer the Call in 2019. Andrew Webber is excited…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Justin Kanoff

After attending one of Answer the Call’s Annual Gala and hearing the speeches given, Justin Kanoff could tell how large of an impact the organization has on people. He was moved by what the organization has been able to do for so many families. As an avid runner, joining Team Answer the Call was a…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Paul Zeman

As the son of a Police Officer who was a 9/11 first responder, Paul Zeman know how important an organization like Answer the Call is. He says, “To the families of fallen first responders, I’m glad this organization exists for them, and I am glad I can contribute and run for Answer the Call.” Paul…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Kieran Hurley

Kieran Hurley is the son of a NYPD detective, the grandson of an FDNY firefighter, and the brother of a police officer. He says, “When the opportunity came to run the marathon while raising money for Answer the Call, it was a no-brainer to join the team. Helping first responders and their families is something…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Nichole Brady

While Nichole Brady was a runner in high school, she found her interest fall off a bit wile in her college years. However, her passion was reignited about 7 years ago and she hasn’t stopped since! After running for Team Answer the Call in 2017, Nichole felt it was so important to be able to…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Veronica Nardello

As the daughter of retired Hoboken Fire Captain, and soon to be wife of a Law Enforcement Officer, Veronica Nardello felt running for Team Answer the Call was a no-brainer. Veronica wouldn’t consider herself a runner growing up, but she was always athletic. She wants to challenge herself as she runs her second marathon –…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Erin Moldovan

Erin Moldovan spent her life very close to the first responder community. Erin’s father, grandfather, and several close friends serve as first responders. She is proud to run in honor of all of the first responders who have been killed in the line of duty and their families. Erin learned about Team Answer the Call…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Joe McAsey

Joe is a lifelong runner and the 2022 TCS NYC Marathon will be his third marathon. He ran in college for the University of Illinois and runs with a professional group based out of Westchester. Previously, he ran in the Boston marathon and the Chicago marathon. He will be running the marathon alongside his friend…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Emily Kiersnowski

Emily has a deep appreciation for all first responders. Her partner serves in the Nassau County Police Department and she has had several loved ones tragically killed in the line of duty. Being close to so many first responders, Emily understands what goes into allowing these people to serve their purpose. On running for Team…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Amy Smith

As a wife of an FDNY firefighter, and being deeply impacted by the events of 9/11, Amy wanted to run for a charity that resonated with her while giving back to the community. Running on Team Answer the Call Marathon was the perfect opportunity to achieve this. Knowing many first responders who serve in the…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: Ariana Chodosh

As a native New Yorker, Ariana has enjoyed running around the city for over two decades now. Ariana grew a passion for running in college, giving her an outlet while away at school.  Running the TCS NYC Marathon for Team Answer the Call NYC will be her first ever marathon. While nervous, Ariana remains honored…

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Meet Our 2022 TCS NYC Marathon Team: John-Nicholas Arce

John-Nicholas Arce is a Law Enforcement Officer NYC DEP Police and his passion for running grew while he was on his high school track team.  After high school, John-Nicholas wasn’t running as much as he had liked, but was able to pick it up again once the COVID-19 pandemic hit thanks to some extra free time….

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37th Annual Game & Family Day Recap

On Tuesday, June 28th, the N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund hosted our 37th Annual Game & Family Day at Citi Field! The families of our fallen first responder heroes enjoyed a carefree night at the ballpark cheering on the team of our late-founder, Daniel “Rusty” Staub – the New York Mets!     More than 800 members of our extended Answer…

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