When I learned that today is National Organ Donor Day, I instantly thought of Firefighter Riley Daniel Ray Huiras, whom we memorialized last year. Firefighter Huiras was 20 years old and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and playing video games with his friends. He was sure to succeed in whatever he put his mind to, including serving others as a member of his local volunteer fire department and auxiliary police department in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin.
Firefighter Huiras died in the line of duty on August 3, 2022. After a lifetime of giving to others, his final act was to donate his lungs, kidneys, heart, and corneas to better the lives of six people. Please take some time today to watch this Hero Tribute, which features his parents sharing stories about their beloved son and how they want him to be remembered.
Another shining example of organ donation advocacy is Kristina Moon and the Billy Moon Foundation. Kristina’s husband, FDNY Firefighter Billy Moon, died in the line of duty and donated his organs to five people, including two retired FDNY members. You can learn about the Billy Moon Foundation at billlymoonfoundation.org.
The NFFF has also partnered with Knox to raise awareness of living kidney donations.
Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) staff in 2010 and serves as the CEO overseeing the Foundation’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management.
