In honor of Father’s Day, we are honoring a family of MoMENtum Men: the DiSarro brothers. Chances are if you call 911, someone in the DiSarro family is going to show up to help. These four brothers (and two of their partners) are keeping the family tradition to rescue, serve, and protect the citizens of Collier County, while putting their families first every day.
Inspired by their uncle, Dennis DiSarro, a former Collier County paramedic firefighter, brothers Bill and Brian became firefighters and brothers Adam and Anthony became deputies for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Anthony’s wife is a deputy sheriff and Adam is engaged to Firefighter Paramedic Jodi Van Sickle. According to Adam, the brothers agree that their commitment to community service stems from the values that their mother (retired certified nursing assistant) and father (retired general contractor) ingrained in them while they were growing up.
The three younger brothers (Adam, Brian, and Anthony), were born and raised in Naples and graduated from Naples High School. Older brother Bill (fire inspector, Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue) was born in Staten Island, and while he does not have children, he enjoys taking all of his nephews and nieces fishing and boating.
Anthony DiSarro, age 42
Retired CCSO: Patrol, SWAT, and Investigations (22 years)
Four children ages 10, 13, 16, and 17
Current Owner of POEX Fitness Naples
What inspired you to work in law enforcement?
I was inspired to be a deputy by my high school baseball coach, Dan Rogers, who was also my Youth Relations Deputy at Naples High School. I saw the positive influence he had, not only with the guys on the team but also with the student body in general. There was an approachability that encouraged communication but also the respect as a law enforcement officer.
What is the hardest part about your job?
The odd hours and stress are the two biggest factors I faced during my career. Fortunately, my wife is also a deputy sheriff and understands the demands and the issues better than anyone.
What is the best part about your job?
Feeling like you made a difference regardless of how small is the best part. During a shift, a work week, a career – you get a lot of opportunities to feel like you made a difference, so you take each call and you aim for that result.
What does your family like to do together?
We have four children so we are always on the go. We still do family dinners at home together. No TV, no cell phones at the table, and we talk about the details of our day.
Typical weeknight for your family?
We are all typically in or around the kitchen while dinner is being made – my wife and I sharing red wine, the kids working on homework, talking about school, and all of us just sharing whatever comes to mind.
How has your profession made you a better parent and partner?
Two decades of police work will teach you patience and how to communicate through any situation no matter how bad it is. We may be strict parents but we are also very compassionate and our children know they can always talk to us about anything. As partners we both know the dangers that exist in our profession and we never miss the opportunity to say “I love you” to each other. We text through the day to check in on each other and use each other to vent the frustrations of the day.
Best parenting advice?
Lead by example and be forever young. We all watched our dad work hard, treat people fairly and honestly, and provide for us, and he was the example we followed on how to handle life. I always think: “How would Dad handle this?” My mom always loved the Rod Stewart song Forever Young and it’s now my goal: Keep that young, youthful energy in everything I do.
Brian DiSarro, age 33
CCSO Deputy/911 Dispatcher
One child, age 6
What inspired you to work in law enforcement?
My older brother Anthony first sparked my interest into law enforcement, but my real drive to follow through came from my son. He is my driving force to become something better and someone that he could look up to.
What is the hardest part about your job?
Working on a night shift makes it extremely hard to be a part of day-time or after school activities. Also working on holidays, when being around family is most important. The up and down stressors of the job can be a heavy burden. It can be difficult at times to leave work at work.
What is the best part about your job?
Every day is different. Some days it’s the same people with a different problem, the same problems but different people, or something that has never been seen before! The most gratifying part is a simple “Thank you” from someone I just helped, whether it’s finding a lost dog, or saving the life of a loved one. Each “thank you” reinforces the desire to do this job day in and day out.
What does your family like to do together in your free time?
EAT! We are Italian, so it’s just natural to gather around one of our homes and put on a spread and just enjoy being a tight-knit group
Adam DiSarro, age 38
Captain, North Collier Fire Rescue Owner
DiSarro Building and Remodeling
Three children ages 8, 9, and 14
What inspired you to become a firefighter?
To find a career that was family oriented – something positive that could be seen as a role model for my kids.
What is the hardest part about your job?
The hardest part is the schedule. Firefighters work 24 hours on and 48 hours off so it can be challenging at times.
What is the best part about your job?
The camaraderie. The feeling you get when you know you just made a positive impact on someone’s day or even their life.
What is a typical weeknight like for your family?
Between my fiance and I, we have three kids. It’s homework, then to baseball practice or dance class or gymnastics, and then dinner. We try to squeeze a few minutes in to relax together before bedtime.
How has your profession made you a better parent and partner?
This profession has made me a better person/parent all around. Unfortunately, sometimes we get to see firsthand how so many other people live with struggles. It reminds me to stay humble and never take anything for granted.
Best parenting advice?
My father, Tony DiSarro, said, “Everything in moderation.” He taught us to always have a balance between work, friends, and family