Friends and family of Joseph DiBernardo Jr. are calling on the community to help find a new home for his dog, Rescue. DiBernardo, a longtime member of the Setauket Fire Department and former New York City firefighter who survived the fatal "Black Sunday" fire, at the age of 40.
True to his character, friends said, DiBernardo named his dog after his passion. Rescue is a six-year-old shepherd/rottweiler/bulldog mix who is used to adults and would do best in a home without children or other pets.
An email and Facebook message circulated around the community this week as friends and family search for a new home for Rescue. "Before you buy a dog like many families do around the holiday season, consider an adoption," the message reads.
