For the second time in two weeks, New York City firefighters are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Lt. Robert J. Ryan Jr., 46, died after sustaining injures from a ceiling collapse while he was working in the attic of a two-story dwelling on Van Buren Street in Staten Island.
An FDNY spokesman said that the collapse knocked off his SCBA face piece and he became unconscious. "The firefighters got to him quickly, got him right out and started CPR on him right away."
He was transported to Richmond University Medical Center of Staten Island, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced his death at a 6 a.m. press conference.
Lt. Ryan, a 17-year veteran of the department, had been assigned to Engine 155 for over two years. His company was the first to arrive at the 12:28 a.m. fire, which reached two alarms.
Since his appointment to the FDNY on April 14, 1991, he previously worked at Engines 228, 280 and 282 in Brooklyn, Engine 6 in Manhattan, Battalion 4 in Manhattan. and the 22nd Battalion in Staten Island. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in March 2001.
Lt. Ryan, a lifelong Staten Island resident, is survived by his wife, Kathleen; a son, Chris, 17; a daughter, Kayla, 12; a stepson, Alex, 10; and a stepdaughter, Emma, 8.
Probationary Firefighter Jamel M. Sears, 33, died on Nov. 11 after he collapsed during a physical training program at the department's fire training academy.
Funeral arrangements are:
Visitation
Harmon Funeral Home
571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY
Monday, November 24 - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, November 25 - 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Funeral and Procession
Sacred Heart Church
981 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, NY
Wednesday, November 26, 11 a.m.
