Richard Picciotto Speaks at Providence Performing Arts Center

Former NYFD official shared his experience during the World Trade Center collapse at a recent charity event.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a vintage fire alarm bell on brick, representing emergency service and resilience. — Former FDNY Chief Richard Picciotto shared his 9/11 survival story at a charity fundraiser hosted at the Providence Performing Arts Center. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Former New York Fire Department deputy chief Richard Picciotto spoke at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The event supported a fundraising effort by Starkweather & Shepley.

Why it matters

The appearance highlights the ongoing legacy of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through charitable support for firefighter organizations.

Starkweather & Shepley raised $150,000 for two firefighting charities. The initiative supports the work of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Rhode Island Association of Firefighters.

The players

Richard Picciotto

He is a former deputy chief of the New York Fire Department and author of the book Last Man Down.

Starkweather & Shepley

This is an insurance brokerage firm that coordinated the fundraising event in Providence.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

This organization provides housing and support to families of fallen first responders and military personnel.

Rhode Island Association of Firefighters

This entity represents the interests and welfare of firefighting personnel across Rhode Island.

The details

Richard Picciotto, who wrote the book Last Man Down, recounted his experience navigating the World Trade Center during the 2001 collapse. He described reaching the 35th floor of the North Tower before transitioning to help evacuate others, eventually surviving the collapse while situated between the 6th and 7th floors.

September 11, 2001: The World Trade Center towers collapsed.
October 28, 2026: Richard Picciotto spoke at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Market Landscape

The event aligns corporate philanthropic efforts with the historical legacy of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center collapse. This reflects a broader trend of private firms leveraging public platforms to bolster support for emergency services and veteran-focused non-profits.

Local residents and attendees contributed to a significant fundraising total that directly benefits regional and national firefighting support groups. This effort provides tangible financial resources for the Rhode Island Association of Firefighters and their associated charities.

The takeaway

Events like this help sustain awareness for first responder causes long after a historic tragedy occurs. Supporting these foundations provides essential aid to the families of those who serve the public in life-threatening conditions.