Fundraising efforts underway for FDNY firefighter Gene Stolowski injured in ‘Black Sunday' fire in the Bronx

FLORIDA-On March 11, the Florida Fire Department and Rescue Squad will sponsor a blood drive in honor of Eugene "Gene" Stolowski, one of the five New York City firefighters of Ladder Co. #27 who were forced to jump from a fourth-floor window in the Bronx on Jan. 23. Two did not survive. Stolowski, 33, remains in critical but stable condition at Cornell Medical Center in New York. Besides his full-time work for the New York Fire Department, Stolowski has been a volunteer with the Florida Fire Department and Rescue Squad for the last three years. An "excellent volunteer," according to Florida Fire Chief Michael Coleman. He also drives an ambulance for the Florida squad and has been active with the department's Fire Prevention Program, volunteering his time to speak to the students at the local schools. His wife Brigid issued the following statement throught the Florida Fire Department: "On behalf of Eugene, my family and I wish to thank Father Joseph of St. Joseph's Parish, the members of the Florida Fire and Rescue Squad, the community of Florida, the members of the FDNY and their families, and everyone for their continued prayers and support." The couple has a two-year-old daughter, and twins on the way. A fund has been set up to aid the Stolowski family. Donations in Gene's name can be sent to "Heroes Fund, c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY l00l0." Coleman and second assistant chief Vaughn Peer, who also is a NYC firefighter, are acting as liasons for the fund-raising effort. Get-well cards, etc., can be sent to the Florida Fire Station, 19 South Main St., Florida, N.Y. l0921. For further information on the blood drive, contact Lonna Olejniczak at 651-4310.