Staub’s charity work is not rusty

Before 9/11 and the outpouring of support for the police and fire departments, there was Rusty Staub.

For over 30 years, the former Mets legend has been raising money for first responders through his charity, the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.

On June 25, before the Mets play the A’s, Staub will be at it again, hosting the 30th annual Game & Family Day. The event is a tradition that started at Shea Stadium and has continued to Citi Field, giving the families of fallen first responders a chance to come together and enjoy a day at the ballpark, while meeting current and former Mets players.

“I was sitting around in my restaurant one day in 1984 and I got word that a policeman with three kids had been killed in the line of duty and the youngest was 5 years old,” Staub recalled. “I just thought that instead of sitting around, it was time to do something.”

Staub, who lost an uncle in the line of duty, has done more than something in the three decades of charity fundraising, generating over $150 million for the police and fire departments, mostly through his events at the ballpark and a dinner he holds every year in Manhattan.

“It’s the least we can do for the families of the people who put their lives on the line for us every day,” Staub said. “We have to take care of the kids.”

To make a donation to the fund, or purchase tickets to the 30th Annual Game & Family Day, visit www.answerthecall.org.