PHCC-LI Helps Build Smart Home for Purple Heart Recipient

Melville, NY – August 29, 2018 – The Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of Long Island (PHCC-LI), an organization comprised of Long Island’s professional licensed plumbing heating and cooling contractors, helped to construct a new home for U.S. Army CPL Christopher “Chris” Levi (Ret.), who lost both legs and suffered major damage to his right arm and hand as a result of an IED explosion.

PHCC-LI members contributed countless hours of labor to fully customize the bathrooms with oversized, wheelchair-accessible doorways as well as an extensive HVAC system that allows for specialized body temperature needs in the 2,800 sq. ft. home which was specially designed with Chris’s needs—and physical challenges--in mind. PHCC Associate member Wallace-Eannace Associates of Plainview also provided two Lochivar Boilers to the home, which PHCC members installed.

“Christopher Levi is a true American Hero who has sacrificed much for our country and deserves to be honored for his multiple tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Joe Cornetta, President of PHCC-LI. “The members of the PHCC-LI immediately volunteered to donate their time to work on Cpl. Levi’s new home, which will aid in his post-military life and provide ease-of-use for both him and the members of his family.”

The construction of the home was made possible through the generosity of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in honor of a fallen 9/11 firefighter, as well as the community including Northwell Health, The Home Depot Foundation and Belgard. The Smart Home Program, the Foundation’s largest initiative, builds specially adapted, custom-designed smart homes for our nation's most catastrophically injured service members.

For more information about PHCC-LI or to learn about apprenticeship opportunities, visit https://www.phccli.org.

The Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors of Long Island is entering its 78th year as an organization of professional licensed master plumbers, heating contractors and cooling contractors operating on Long Island. Membership consists of established business men and women who recognize the advantages of membership in a professional organization that represents the PHCC industry. The PHCC-LI members are committed to PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY of the general public through establishment, adherence and compliance to detailed code requirements. This objective is realized through high ethical standards, legislative work and continuing education. Membership is open to all licensed plumbers, heating and/or cooling contractors on Long Island. For more information go to https://www.phccli.org.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. The Smart Home Program provides mortgage-free, technology-enabled smart homes for catastrophically injured service members. The Fallen First Responders Home Program offers financial assistance to the families of firefighters, police officers and other first responders lost in the line of duty. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit us at www.tunnel2towers.org

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

• Pictured from left to right standing outside of a Melville home that PHCC-LI contributed countless hours of time working on to give to Army Veteran Cpl. Christopher Levi are: PHCC-LI Secretary John Bifolco, PHCC-LI’s Richard English, PHCC-LI President Joe Cornetta, PHCC-LI Executive Director, PHCC-LI’s John DeLillo, PHCC-LI’s Don Essex and PHCCI-LI’s Bobby Gramman.
• Pictured is Army veteran Cpl. Christopher Levi being welcomed to his new home in Melville, NY that members of the PHCC-LI contributed countless hours of time working on and were present to meet Cpl. Levi as he came home for the first time.