By William Curry
Times Staff
4/3/08
About 1,000 people gathered at Florian Hall in Dorchester last weekend in a show of support for recovering firefighter Tony Pickens.
It was called “A Night for Tony.” It was a night he will remember.
“The Milton Fire Department Local 1116 firefighters and wives did a great job organizing with all the time and effort and deserve all the credit,” says Fire Chief Malcolm Larson. Bob McCarthy, the president of the Massachusetts firefighters union attended, as well as chiefs and firemen from all over the state, including Brockton and Randolph.
Firefighter Nancy Monroe says she felt great about the event. “The turnout has matched the effort, and it is terrific. As a union and as a department, I couldn’t be more proud.”
Another key organizer, firefighter Joe Garrity adds, “This has been phenomenal. Fantastic support has been shown from the town of Milton, the city of Brockton and all communities. The brothers stick together and have rallied around the Pickens family. The locals did a tremendous job.”
The event raised tens of thousands of dollars towards Pickens’ medical costs. A series of donated items were raffled and awarded throughout the night from a five-day Caribbean cruise, a Sony surround-sound TV to a Toro snow blower and an iPod.
Pickens arrived escorted by his engine company with sirens ablaze, while friends and brother firefighters lined the entry way and guided him and his family into the hall. It was a hero’s welcome, a showering of support.
“The event was great. It was great. I thank everyone. It was a great feeling to be accepted. I’ve worked there (Milton) for 11 years, and I really felt like a Miltonian,” says Pickens.
Pickens was struck by a vehicle while responding to a call last summer. His injuries were extensive, and there was some doubt as to whether he would recover. His recovery has been called miraculous by some people.
The night was full of stories about Pickens by the people who have worked with him. Larson presented him with a special award.
“He is doing remarkably well and recovering tremendously,” says Pickens’ cousin Michael Elgin. “His wife, Charisse, has stood tall and proven what love can do, assuring him that it was going to be alright. Whatever doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.”
The Chicken Slacks band provided entertainment and played into the night as attendees celebrated. Though Pickens was not among those who stood and danced to the music, his heart and spirit seemed elevated to a higher tune.