The Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue community has established a fund through its foundation to go to the family of Battalion Chief Ryan Paul Rizzuto, 42, and his wife, Danielle Marie Rizzuto, 41, who died Dec. 7 in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 50 west of Lake Tahoe in Kyburz, Calif.
The Rizzutos’ children, an 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, were in the vehicle when it hit a tree and ended up on its side. They were flown to Renown Medical Center in Reno with major injuries on two different medical helicopters.
Fire departments from around the region participated in a procession through Reno on Wednesday.
Many people have asked how to support the children of the Rizzuto family. At the request of the family, the Truckee Meadows Foundation will be the sole point as 100% of all donations will get to them. Go here to donate.
The following is from the Foundation:
The Truckee Meadows Firefighter Foundation (TMFF) has established a Firefighter Family Assistance Fund to provide financial and humanitarian support to firefighter families facing sudden loss, including the family of Ryan Rizzuto.
In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, the Rizzuto children and their extended family are navigating profound grief alongside immediate and long-term needs such as counseling, medical care, education support, and daily living expenses. Through this fund, TMFF will provide charitable assistance consistent with its mission to support firefighters and their families during times of serious illness, injury, or loss.
Donations to this fund will support TMFF’s firefighter family assistance efforts. Aid is provided at the Foundation’s discretion, in coordination with family guardians and care teams, and in accordance with TMFF’s charitable guidelines. Funds may also be used to assist other firefighter families facing similar circumstances, as needs arise.
The fire service and our broader community have always shown up for one another in times of crisis. This fund reflects that shared commitment — surrounding families with care, stability, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Thank you for supporting firefighter families during their most difficult moments and for helping TMFF continue its mission of service, compassion, and community care.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue will not be sharing any additional details and asks the community to allow the family and fire agency personnel time and space to process the profound loss, according to its Facebook page.
“Critical incident support resources are now available to all TMFPD members. We recognize that events like this impact not only our organization but also the broader community we serve, and we are committed to supporting one another through this challenging time. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Chief Rizzuto. We ask the community to please keep them in your hearts and prayers.”
