2017 NJSPBA
Mini-Convention
The gift of life
The message coming from Donna Buscio was
compelling and inspirational.
She implored law enforcement officers to take
care of themselves. She asked them to avoid the
fate of her husband, Jersey City Fire Captain Don-
na Buscio, who died from a heart attack at age 39
despite being declared healthy following a physi-
cal a few months earlier.
Donna began the “Gift from Captain Buscio” program to pro-
mote heart attack prevention for first responders and give them
an opportunity to get cardiac, pulmonary and other testing with
no out-of-pocket costs. The program has centers in Secaucus
and Newark, as well as an affiliation with Deborah Heart and
Lung Center in Browns Mills.
“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to have a vari-
ety of testing done with the quality of service the program pro-
vides,” she explained. “And we will continue to provide the ser-
vice to you as long as I am here.”
The comprehensive evaluation not only checks heart and
lungs but provides a baseline for annual visits. There’s also a
series of other tests first responders can get, depending on the
initial evaluation.
“Remember, you are invaluable to us,” Donna extolled. “So,
take advantage of this program or go to your own doctor or just
take care of you. Whichever way you do that, make sure you do
it. Think of a family member and make it an anniversary present
to them. Whatever the reason, do it.” d
Give that local a cigar for Survivor
& Welfare donation
While there is nothing that can heal a family after losing a
loved one in the line of duty, the Survivor and Welfare Fund of-
fers necessary support as a major contributor to helping these
families through difficult times. New Jersey Locals have helped
raise $30 million for the cause, since its inception after Sept. 11,
2001, through fundraising events. Joe Eppe of Bergen County
Local 102 presented President Pat Colligan with a $15,000 check
to put toward the fund to benefit families of fallen officers who
have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve others. d
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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