Capt. Kevin "Rusty" Roth

This Charity, this Foundation, began almost by accident; or was it? In 2017 our foundation president, Lt. John Vaeth, was already on a mission to help people in need any way he could. If a fireman, anyone for that matter was in need, if he could he would answer the call. Myself and many others, as firemen often do, saddled up alongside and got to work. It was tough in the beginning. John and I would often look at the little money we raised back then with a bit of trepidation. To fail so early on would be a shame. We knew eventually, the camaraderie, and the community theme in the way we approached the project would be the best chance we had.

In those early days we knew we needed a board member who embodied selflessness, community, and FDNY, all while howling at the moon. No one, NOT ONE, embodied these traits like our brother Rusty had. His impact was immediate. Every project was completed when he would give his speeches memorializing our brothers FF Timmy Klein and FF Steven Pollard, two men who lost their lives in the line of duty and were a big part of our project as well as the L170 E257 B58 Canarsie family. Rusty was part of the draw to these events. To be involved in a project with him was a great honor.

As young firemen, we entered the firehouse with the skin of our past selves we would soon shed. Rusty, the archetypal senior man, would set the bar, pave the way, and drag you willingly or not into a nonreturnable journey on becoming more than just a firefighter. He tought us to be brothers and sisters, to love one another, to have pride, to show up, and laugh like mad while doing it. If you were caught being a little lazy, he would take over and complete a task, look you square in the eyes and sarcastically say "We just ask for a little effort." He would unapologetically rock out at every function, and he could break balls with the best of the best. He was first in and last out to everything and often treated everyone to a unique style of pancakes in the early morning. He was the example that was set.

So, an accident being the credit for a successful FDNY foundation getting started and helping hundreds and hundreds of people...Nah. It's due to the influence of Rusty Roth and men like him the torch was lit; it was carried by him soon after, and will continue just the same. Rusty journeyed onward from his battle with WTC related cancer on Dec 8th 2025. He will be missed. See you on the top floor, Cap.