Build-a-Rig For Scott, a community-based nonprofit on Long Island, held a charity event to build a ceremonial unit rig in memory of the late retired NYPD Officer Scott Blackshaw, who died at age 52 in 2018 of esophageal and brain cancer related to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.
At the event, tickets were raffled at $100 each to win a 2021 Harley Davidson Street Glide or $15,000, which raised $38,000 thus far towards the building of the rig. Donations are still being accepted to help reach the goal of $80,000.
“Back on Sept. 11, 2001, our first responders raced to help everyone knowing they were putting themselves in harm’s way to save people in need in New York City,” said Wayne Forte, the organizer of the charity event, who was a long-time friend of Blackshaw. “My dear friend … was one of those first responders. While he survived that day, he was one of the many who developed fast-acting cancer as a result of the toxic fumes and debris. A few years after he retired, Scott, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, proven to be a result of his exposure in 9/11.”
Scott suffered and fought through the disease, with doctors removing a section of his esophagus and the disease coming back less than a year later. The cancer returned to both his brain and neck. Scott experienced tremendous pain, making it challenging to bring him to and from treatments, where every bump in the road shot up through his spine.
Now approaching the third anniversary of Scott’s passing, his friends and fellow officers made the decision to pay tribute to him and his pride as an NYPD officer.
“I want to show him my support, along with my love for him and his family in blue by building this ceremonial unit rig to proudly carry all the future fallen NYPD officers at their funerals to their proper resting place,” Forte said. “We are working hard to raise the funds but we can’t do it alone. We need your help. Please be a part of this wonderful rig build for the NYPD.”
To donate to this effort, visit buildarig4scott.com. You can also help by sharing this link on social media.
For more information, contact Wayne Forte at 516-523-1530 or email waynefworld@hotmail.com.
-Build-a-Rig For Scott
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