Friends of Firefighters Heat Up ABC's 'Secret Millionaire'

When a film crew visited Red Hook-based nonprofit under the auspice of shooting a documentary about the organization, Pete Calascione and Bill Hodgens, 19- and 20-year veterans of the FDNY, jumped at the opportunity to share how the FoF helps firefighters, their families, and even military vets.

“It's a refuge for firefighters, whether they're retired or active,” Calascione said, highlighting some of the psychological, acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy services provided. “It's a place to come to let off some steam, to find comfort once one leaves the firehouse. It's kind of a special brotherhood here.” 

But a funny thing happened on the way to the wrap party. 

After guiding the visitors around their facility, FoF members learned that they weren’t going to appear in a documentary at all. Instead, they’d been in the presence of ABC’s Secret Millionaire—and the special guest among them would imminently be sharing the wealth.

“I was very surprised,” recalled Hodgens. “The millionaire was very easy to talk to, he kept the conversation going with us. I was very shocked when I found out who he really was and what he did for a living. I'm very grateful for his gracious donation to this organization.”

Formed in the wake of 9/11, Friends of Firefighters was established to provide support to firefighters and their families in dealing with grief, trauma, and other stresses.

"For myself, my life was in turmoil and I didn't know where to turn," said Hodgens, who lost friends and coworkers in the collapse of the Twin Towers. "Hopefully other firefighters will see what Friends of Firefighters offers and that it's a confidential place to come to work out your problems." 

Both men are looking forward to celebrating the show's debut, which will fall on Sunday, July 29 at 8 p.m.

Calascione planned to watch with his "family, my wife, my children, my grandchildren, and some friends," while Hodgens said he'd watch from the center itself, alongside staffers.

And could there be any other secret millionaires lurking among the firefighters?

"Not that I know of!" said Hodgens, laughing.