SI Advance

Al Ronaldson Run organizers continue important work of helping FDNY families

So, too, does his mom, Kim; his brother, Paul; and his sisters, Erin, Kimberly and Leighann.

But Father's Day has been a lot easier on the family because of the race which tomorrow will again honor the heroism of Al Ronaldson, who perished on March 5, 1991 while fighting a fire on East Fordham Road in the Bronx.

"Having everyone around made it easier," his son said, a reference to family and extended family -- firefighters and the crew from Kennington Street in Great Kills where his father grew up -- who showed up for the run.

They were there for Al's family from the get-go: 1,200 runners in 1992 and an untold number of spectators who stayed on for the postrace barbecue.

"Without the run, I think it would have been a lot harder. We'd have been sitting around all day thinking about it. Instead, we didn't dwell on my father's death or on Father's Day," he said, adding: "It still makes the day easier."

Which, his father's brother, Mike, said was a major reason for having the five-kilometer race at Susan Wagner HS, Al's alma mater, on Father's Day.

"We wanted to let the children know they still had a father," Mike said. "We also wanted to help Al's family financially."

Missions accomplished.

"We have a great time," said Al Jr. who, seven years ago, followed his father and his grandfather, retired captain H. Joseph Ronaldson, into the ranks of New York's Bravest and is currently part of Ladder 59 in the Bronx, just two miles from where his dad died.

The proceeds from the race no longer go to the family -- haven't for five years.

Now, they're used to help other firefighters' families deal with tragedies.

The Thomas Elasser Fund helps widows and children of firefighters who do not die in the line of duty: Those families are not eligible to continue to receive the deceased firefighter's salary.

The Fire Family Transport vans are used to transport family members of deceased or injured firefighters.

"I look forward to the race," said Al Jr. "We haven't missed a race yet.

"It's a great thing to help others. I've been on the job seven years now, so I've been involved in tragedies and taken part in other races that benefit people.

"This is a great department to be part of because of the way people here do that -- go out of their way to help other people.

"I wish we could tell everyone how appreciative we are. There are so many volunteers that make it a good day."

And, a tribute to one of our fallen heroes.