On January 22, 2013, Captain Matthew Porcari of the Owego Fire Company 3 lost his life at the age of 34 doing what he did best- protecting those in his community and now it's the community's turn to give back to his family.

Captain Porcari is survived by his wife, Christina, an 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son.  After the flood of 2011, while Captain Porcari was helping those affected in his community, his own home was under water and suffered heavy damage.  Captain Porcari wanted to finish the renovations so that his family would once again have a "home" but before he could do that, he lost his life.

Community members are rallying around Mrs. Pocari and the kids to help finish the renovations that Captain Pocari wasn't able to finish himself and if you'd like to help, there are several ways to do so:

According to the Daily Review,

The family has requested that donations in memory of Captain Matthew Porcari be made to the Porcari Children Memorial Fund, c/o First Niagara Bank, 18 Lake St., Owego, NY 13827; or Croton Hose Company #3, c/o Tom Donovan, 71 Talcott St., Owego, NY 13827. Community members can also donate to a fund set up at Home Central in Owego, N.Y.... Home Central is accepting cash, check or credit donations at the store or you can donate by phone at (607) 687-3284.

There will also be a benefit dinner from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday February 10th at the Parkview Hotel and Restaurant at 145 Front Street in Owego.  To learn more about the benefit dinner, call 607-687-9873 or visit this event Facebook page.

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