Volunteer 9/11 First Responder Says His Family Has Received Death Threats From Individuals Presumed to be Members of FDNY Bent on Upsetting His Non-profit’s Plans for a Joint 9/11 and Pearl Harbor Commemoration

NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Some bad eggs presumed to be members of the "FDNY" are casting a threatening light on a non-profit organization's plans to hold a joint commemoration honoring victims of two historic events that live in infamy—9/11 and Pearl Harbor.

Vincent Forras, founder of Gear Up Foundation (www.gearupfoundation.org), which donates fire equipment and training to firefighters in developing countries, said he has received death threats via social media and in phone calls.  Also his wife has been a victim of sexual abuse and harassment "in the most graphic manner."

The attacks this year have been especially harmful as Gear Up prepares for a Sunrise & Sunset Memorial to be held at Ground Zero and on the Battleship Missouri at Pearl Harbor on 9/11 commemorating those "who served our nation on the two dates that live in infamy."

Forras, a former corporate CEO, US Senate Candidate and father of seven including a son serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, said, "these guys have an agenda that doesn't have room for any foundation doing anything except serving them and their views."

According to Forras, the threats are timed to coincide with the anniversary of September 11 and "have erupted into a firestorm of intimidation intended to block us from honoring victims of two of the most horrific incidents in our nation's history.  They are coming from individuals who apparently feel that only the FDNY should receive charitable donations in connection with 9/11.

"While we realize FDNY is not condoning these threats, we are asking FDNY to investigate who among their ranks might be taking it upon themselves to try to intimidate our non-profit organization's plans to honor the victims of both 9/11 and Pearl harbor."  

Forras said he was forced to file a claim with the FBI Cyber Crimes Unit on September 5 as the attacks hit a crescendo of threats against himself and his family.

According to Forras, "a small group of individuals presumed to be members of  FDNY are exhibiting reprehensive conduct that is deplorable.  I call on FDNY to immediately investigate who is responsible and to bring them to justice." 

Media contact:  Adrienne Mazzone of TransMedia Group, 561-750-9800 x210; [email protected].

SOURCE Gear Up Foundation