Cloaked Crusaders with a Purpose

A unique team of beloved movie characters has a heartfelt mission.

The FDNY’s Humble Heroes is celebrating a decade of bringing superhero costumes to children in New York City who really need them.

Off-duty firefighters from NYC, police officers, and teachers have been touring various hospitals, schools, and grief camps.

“Exactly,” said Firefighter Rob Voigt during a recent visit to PS 357R Robert Randall School, a special needs institution in Staten Island.

“I visited the hospital last month,” Voigt mentioned while dressed as Superman. “We had kids who were in quarantine and couldn’t meet us in person, but just seeing us from outside the window truly brightened their day. The nurses shared just how thankful the kids were.”

On Friday, the first responders received cheers from delighted students as they walked through the school, dressed as their favorite film characters.

“The best part is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Gillian Valverde, a teacher wearing a Batgirl outfit. “Some of them light up and run up to you, full of excitement.

“That’s definitely what makes it worthwhile.”

Alongside Voigt, firefighters like Rich Sendali, Andrew Costello, and Gary Chiang took on the roles of Green Lantern, Thor, and Spider-Man, while NYPD Detective Matt Schmalix donned the Deadpool costume.

Timmy Liss, an FDNY driver who supports the Humble Heroes, explained that the costume initiative is a “natural fit” for those who are already doing heroic work.

“Firefighting is a noble job, and this cause is equally commendable,” he noted, emphasizing that it’s second nature for firefighters. “They genuinely enjoy participating in this.”

The initiative began in 2015 when firefighter Robert Banome and friends, dressed as Power Rangers, attended a Halloween event and met a woman with a son battling cancer. Shortly thereafter, while recovering from injuries, he wondered if children in the hospital would benefit from visits by superheroes.

“I fell in love with the positive experience we created during those visits. It’s a simple gesture that doesn’t require much time,” said Alyssa Larocca, Banome’s sister-in-law and the schedule manager for Humble Heroes. “It really offers kids a much-needed break from what they’re facing. They genuinely believe that superheroes have come to visit.”

The organization currently has about 60 volunteers, including members from Pennsylvania, who make visits two to four times a month.

Larocca mentioned that they often visit places like St. Jude Church and New York Presbyterian Church. During the pandemic, they even organized drive-by “parades” on Staten Island to help raise spirits during lockdowns.

The team is also proud of their “costume creator,” Kenny Restrepo, a military veteran and former NYC police officer, who designs elaborate costumes. Other characters represented include Captain America, Batman, and various Disney princesses.

“These costumes are fantastic and come with detailed instructions on how to wear them,” Costello said while becoming Thor. “This will definitely bring a lot of joy to the kids. That’s really what it’s all about.”

“I wish I could wear one of those costumes,” said Rhys, mentioning his role as a driver, which includes handing out toys and running errands. “I’m a bit envious of the costumed heroes. The joy in the children’s faces is amazing.”

“That’s not really true,” he added, almost to himself.