On December 17, 2000, Keith P. Purcell died in the line of duty. He’d been called to a fire shortly after playing Santa Claus at the Southold Fire Department (NY) holiday party. Keith was honored at the National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation’s Memorial Weekend in 2001—and like other Fire Hero Families, his wife Mary Jane was welcomed into the NFFF community.
Two decades later, Mary Jane left a lasting legacy at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. For unbeknownst to the Foundation, she had bequeathed her vast collection of fire service memorabilia and other treasured possessions to the NFFF. The funds raised from the auction of these special collectables would go on to support programming for other Fire Hero Families—just like her.
Mary Jane made it a life’s goal to quietly embrace others who had suffered a loss similar to hers. The Foundation is forever grateful for her generosity as we continue to honor Keith and our fallen heroes and serve the brave families they left behind.
