Beloved N.Y.C. Firefighter, 42, Dies in Line of Duty After Suffering a Heart Attack: ‘No Sacrifice That Is More Selfless’

A New York City firefighter died in the line of duty after suffering a heart attack.

In a statement, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) announced the death of long-serving firefighter Patrick Brady, 42, who had a heart attack while battling a blaze at an apartment building in Brooklyn on Saturday, Nov. 8.

“Firefighter Brady was operating on the roof of a fire at 9407 Kings Highway in Brooklyn when he went into cardiac arrest,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker wrote on X.

Brady was pronounced dead after he was sent to the Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Tucker confirmed. 

The fire started at around 9:38 p.m. local time at a six-story apartment building, the New York Post reported. 

Brady first joined the FDNY in July 2014. He served with the department for 11 years, up until the time of his death.

In 2022, he transferred from his position at Engine 227 in Brooklyn to Ladder 120, according to the FDNY.

Brady came from a family of firefighters, which includes his two brothers, Jimmy and Brian, cousin Pete and uncle Pete, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at the press conference.

“There is no sacrifice that is more selfless than the actions that took place this evening,” Adams, 60, said, reacting to Brady’s death. “I want to express my deepest sympathy for Ms. Brady, his wife, and his family. This is a firefighter family. They have been dedicated to protecting the lives of New Yorkers. We will all cherish Patrick’s memory.”

On Sunday, Nov. 9, more than 200 New York City firefighters gathered at Brookdale Hospital to honor Brady.

The late firefighter was carried out of the hospital in a flag-draped casket by eight crew members, and he was placed in an ambulance heading to the medical examiner’s office, per the Post.

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Brady’s death marks the second to have taken place in the line of duty in the last two weeks, FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra said at the Nov. 8 press conference.