9/11 first responder surprised with $45K backyard makeover in New Windsor
Gulf War Marine and retired FDNY firefighter Vincent Damato received a new putting green ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
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A New Windsor 9/11 first responder who has spent much of his life serving others got a surprise of his own Thursday — a $45,000 backyard transformation completed entirely through donated work and materials.
“Oh my God. Check that out,” Vincent Damato said as he walked into his backyard and saw the professionally installed putting green for the first time.
Celebrity Greens and Folds of Honor teamed up for the surprise, completing the transformation in just two days with donated labor and materials.
Folds of Honor is a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. Celebrity Greens, a company specializing in synthetic turf and putting greens, has partnered with the organization since 2021 to provide backyard transformations for selected families.
The gift recognizes Damato’s decades of service. The 56-year-old is a Gulf War Marine, former New York State Police officer and retired FDNY firefighter who served the department for 23 years.
Damato was off duty when the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks happened. He says he received a police escort into New York City and joined fellow firefighters at ground zero.
“We were trying to fight fires and still see if there were people alive,” Damato said. “We were trying to help in any way possible.”
Damato was assigned to Engine Company 74, which lost firefighter Ruben D. Correa in the attacks. Damato says he later developed health complications tied to his ground zero service that ultimately forced him to retire.
“We build golf greens every day, but this is special,” said Mike Clark, general manager of Celebrity Greens. “We are building this for somebody, and it’s one of the best things that we do.”
Crews traveled from several states to work on the project, which Celebrity Greens says is worth about $45,000.
Damato’s daughter is on her high school golf team, giving the new backyard an especially personal purpose.
“I think me and my daughter are going to have a lot of fun out there,” Damato said.
The surprise comes just before the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Damato plans to return to New York City for the anniversary and visit Ground Zero and other locations with fellow firefighters for moments of remembrance.
“It’s truly humbling,” Damato said. “Words cannot describe how thankful and appreciative I am.”
