The Firehouse Yak: Eileen & Katreana Bellew – The Silent Fire: PTSD in the Shadows of an FDNY LODD

Eileen Bellew, widow of FDNY Lt. John Bellew, and his daughter, Katreana, talk about navigating PTSD since the 2005 Black Sunday fire, and how fire departments can support those left behind.

Peter Matthews

Sept. 29, 2025

68d5dbcb118b3a7ed709124c Eileen Katerena Bellew Aspire Primary Photo

Peter Matthews is joined by Eileen Bellew, widow of FDNY Lt. John Bellew, and his daughter, Katreana, to discuss their paths through PTSD since John lost his life during the 2005 Black Sunday fire in the Bronx.

Eileen shares her journey, which began Jan. 23, 2005, when she learned that John was seriously injured after jumping from an apartment building. From being escorted to the hospital, the fire service funeral, memorial services raising four children, Eileen shares what fire departments need to know to assist the survivors.

Katreana, who was only two on Black Sunday, talks about memories of her dad, attending services and how she developed vicarious anxiety as she grew up. Her journey sparked her desire to share the story of Black Sunday and the subsequent trial in the movie Black Sunday: Trial by Fire.

The Firehouse Yak: Eileen & Katreana Bellew – The Silent Fire: PTSD in the Shadows of an FDNY LODD

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About the Author

Peter Matthews

Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood Landing, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.