Answer the Call honors memory of 9/11 hero with Coney Island Cyclone ticket sale

The legacy of a New York City Fire Department captain whose life was tragically cut short by 9/11 will be honored with the sale of Coney Island Cyclone tickets, with proceeds benefiting Answer the Call.

From now until September 6, Answer the Call, formerly known as the N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, will honor the memory of Vincent Giammona by offering “Ride Like Vinny” tickets, good for one ride on the legendary Coney Island rollercoaster until November 1.

The weekend prior to 9/11, Giammona and his family decided to spend the day at Coney Island. On the drive home, Giammona had the urge to ride the Cyclone, even though it had closed, prompting his family to turn back. Spotting a worker, Giammona explained that his birthday was coming up on Tuesday and that he was a New York City firefighter. He was allowed to ride the roller coaster in the front car as the only passenger.

Just days later, on his 40th birthday, Giammona became one of 403 FDNY, New York Police Department and Port Authority Police Department heroes to perish in the line of duty on 9/11.

Funds raised by Ride Like Vinny ticket sales will allow Answer the Call to continue to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to the families of New York City firefighters, police officers, Port Authority Police Department officers and Emergency Medical Services personnel killed in the line of duty. Since its founding in 1985, Answer the Call has distributed more than $135 million to those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

For more information on Answer the Call, visit www.answerthecall.org. To purchase Ride Like Vinny Tickets ($12), click here.