A group of caped crusaders is on a heartfelt mission.
This remarkable team of beloved movie personas, known as the Humble Heroes of FDNY, is marking a decade of bringing joy to New York’s youth by donning superhero costumes for children in need.
This dedicated group comprises heroic firefighters from New York City, NYPD officers, and public school teachers who have brightened the days of countless students in schools, hospitals, and grief camps.
“Just like with the fire department, it’s always about giving back and stepping up to help those in need,” stated firefighter Rob Vogt during a visit to PS 357R Robert Randall School, a school for special needs children in Staten Island.
“Last month, we visited a hospital,” Vogt recalled while in his Superman costume.
“There were kids in isolation, and while we couldn’t see them directly, just being visible through the window brightened their day: the nurses expressed their gratitude for what we did.”
On Friday, the first responders were welcomed with cheers from kindergarten to second-grade students, who were thrilled to see their favorite characters roaming their school.
“The best part is witnessing the smiles on the children’s faces,” shared public school teacher Jillian Valverde, who wore a Batgirl costume. “The joy is infectious. They rush over with excitement and warmth.
“That is truly the most fulfilling aspect of our work.”
Alongside the superheroes, firefighters Rich Cendali, Andrew Costello, and Gary Chan represented the Green Lantern, Thor, and Spider-Man, while NYPD Detective Matt Schmalix took on the role of Deadpool.
Veteran FDNY firefighter Timmy Liss, who serves as the driver for the Humble Heroes, described the costume initiative as a seamless extension of their heroic duties.
“They enjoy taking part in this kind of outreach.”
The initiative took root in 2015 when firefighter Robert Banome and his friends dressed as Power Rangers for a Halloween event and spoke with a mother whose child was battling cancer, as explained by Humble Heroes’ scheduling manager Alyssa LaRocca, who is Banome’s sister-in-law.
Following an injury leading to burns during his duties, Banome, while recovering in the hospital, suggested to the nurses the idea of hosting meet-and-greets with superheroes for the young patients.
“I became enamored with the joy we brought during our visits; it’s such a simple gesture that makes a world of difference,” LaRocca noted. “It provides the children a respite from their challenges: young kids genuinely believe a superhero just arrived.”
The team now consists of approximately 60 volunteers, including a Pennsylvania chapter, who conduct between two and four visits each month.
Their frequent destinations include St. Jude’s and New York Presbyterian, according to LaRocca. Throughout the pandemic, they even organized drive-by “parades” in Staten Island to uplift spirits during lockdown.
The team also boasts an in-house “costume creator,” Kenny Restrepo, a military veteran and former NYPD officer, who assists in crafting the more intricate costumes. Among the diverse characters are Captain America, Batman, and a variety of Disney princesses.
“These costumes are fantastic; we receive detailed instructions on how to wear and manage them,” Costello, dressed as Thor, stated. “The excitement these costumes create in the kids is incredible; their joy is what it’s all about.”
“I wish I could fit into these costumes myself,” Liss admitted, highlighting his role as a driver that involves distributing toys and running various errands. “I feel envious of the caped heroes and the happiness they bring kids – it’s truly something special.
“There’s nothing quite like it.”
