A film chronicling the epic and tragic love story of FDNY hero John McNamara, from Blue Point, who lost his life to 9/11-related cancer in 2009, and his wife, the steadfast and dedicated Jennifer, who now runs a charity based at the Bayport-Blue Point Library, has started production and has cast the couple.

“I love this woman,” wrote Jennifer in a social media post about actress Kayla Emerson, who is described as a “self-proclaimed ‘dame on all sides of the camera’ [who] can act, shoot, light a scene, do her own stunts, and produce” by the film’s producers.

Kazy Tauginas, the actor who will play John, has appeared in “The Equalizer 2,” “Sneaky Pete” and “John Wick.”

Tauginas said that “John’s great sense of humor” will feature heavily in the film and add levity to the dramatic story.

The Johnny Mac Foundation, which was started by Jennifer in honor of John after his death, is known for its expansive charity work in BBP and throughout Long Island and New York City, is really the culmination of an extraordinary couple’s love story that has transcended the bounds of time, perishment, and earthly separation. 

Widowed in 2009, McNamara painfully closed a beloved chapter in her life when her husband died of cancer from his valiant 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts. 

Unbeknownst to McNamara, her husband would leave her and son, Jack, an immortal wish, whose fulfillment would carry his spirit long after his death. 

Hidden in a bag was a letter from husband to wife, meant to be read after his death, outlining a plan for a community center in their hometown of Blue Point (where Jennifer and her son still reside). 

Borne out of this request was the formation of the Johnny Mac Foundation, an association dedicated to continuing John’s altruistic soul and the mantra of “Whatever it takes.”

The foundation hosts an annual Family Fun Day event at the library, where live music, outdoor games, food trucks, and a variety of kid-centered activities take place for the whole community.