Geno’s Steaks will donate $10,000 each to the families of firefighter Joyce Craig and Officer Robert Wilson III during a memorial plaque ceremony Friday near the South Philly landmark.
Craig, an 11-year veteran and mother of two who was promoted posthumously to lieutenant, died while fighting a basement fire Dec. 9 in West Oak Lane. Wilson, an eight-year veteran and father of two who was promoted posthumously to sergeant, died March 5 in a shootout with two armed robbers at a North Philly Game Stop.
“It is a privilege to continue my father Joey Vento’s legacy by honoring and proudly supporting the brave and courageous Philadelphia law enforcement officers,” said Geno Vento, the steak shop’s owner, who will present the checks. The ceremony will be 11 a.m. at Geno’s at Ninth and Passyunk.
Both Craig’s and Wilson’s names will be added to Geno’s ‘fallen heroes’ bronze plaque that memorializes firefighters and officers who died on duty since 1930. The plaque, erected last year, replaced the “Path of Honor,” more than 400 weatherbeaten memorial bricks outside the cheesesteak shop.
Joe Schulle, president of the firefighters union Local 22, will represent the Craig family. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby will represent the Wilson family.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/dncrime/Genos-donates-to-fallen-heroes-families.html#3dpl3KGTcE7crGpZ.99