FDNY members read to children

Firefighters Regina Wilson and Frank Pizarro read to children at Brooke Jackman Read-A-Thon

A young woman’s life and her passions for reading and helping children were celebrated on Tuesday, September 7 at the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center, just blocks away from where the World Trade Center once stood.

Brooke Jackman was a 23-year-old assistant bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald when she was killed on September 11th. Brooke's deep love of books and devotion to children spurred the Jackman family to create the literacy foundation in her name. The Read-A-Thon, a continuous reading of children's books about New York City, is a symbol of how the Jackman family found a way to transform tragedy into improving the lives of others.

Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano, along with Firefighters Regina Wilson and Frank Pizarro, EMS Captain Dawn Diaz and EMT Jeff Samerson read books to children as part of the Brooke Jackman Foundation Read-A-Thon. FDNY representatives were joined by NYPD officers, children’s authors, and several other guest readers. Selections included, Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey and One, Two, Three.

“The Jackman family has done a tremendous job paying tribute to Brooke with their work,” said Commissioner Cassano. “They have dedicated themselves to the cause of children’s literacy and ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed in school. The FDNY is honored to have been part of such a great event. ”

To learn more about the Brooke Jackman Foundation, click here