Fire Chiefs Council Supports Camp Good Grief

The Southampton Town Fire Chiefs Council presented a $3,000 donation to East End Hospice’s Camp Good Grief program at its November meeting. The contribution comes from the proceeds of the council’s annual golf outing.

The council is composed of chiefs and past-chiefs from all fire departments in Southampton Town, as well as the Riverhead and Shelter Island Fire Departments, reflecting longstanding geographic and cooperative ties. The group meets monthly to discuss issues of mutual concern, share information, and foster communication and camaraderie among the departments.

For the past two years, the council’s golf outing has raised funds to support its own scholarships, awards, and activities. This year, the council decided to designate a portion of the proceeds to a local organization providing meaningful services to the community, with Camp Good Grief chosen as the first recipient. Lauren Weinclaski from East End Hospice accepted the check at the meeting.

“Most people are familiar with the exceptional services that East End Hospice provides to those in need,” said Southampton Chiefs Council President Michael Tortorice. Joined by Golf Outing Chairman Ryan White, Tortorice added, “The Fire Service responds to emergencies every day and provides help during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives. But as members of this community, we recognize that people — especially children — experience losses that firefighters simply cannot prevent. In the same spirit of showing up in emergencies, we want to continue showing up for our community by supporting Camp Good Grief and helping those in need.”