FDNY Firefighter Suffers Fatal Heart Attack after Call

A veteran FDNY firefighter died early Saturday from a heart attack he suffered at his home following a call during his 24-hour shift, the department announced Tuesday.

Lt. Brian J. Sullivan, of Squad 41 in the Bronx, returned home Friday after responding to an apartment kitchen fire, the final emergency call of his 24-hour tour, the FDNY said in an online post. During his shift, he complained about pain and discomfort, but he still kept going out on calls.

After he returned home in Monroe, Sullivan went into cardiac arrest, and he was taken to Orange County Regional Medical. He was later pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m. Saturday, the FDNY said.

"This is a tragic loss for the Fire Department and for the City of New York," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. "Brian Sullivan was a dedicated Firefighter who put himself in harm’s way for 27 years to protect the lives of others. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Irene, and two daughters Nicole and Samantha."

Sullivan, a 27-year FDNY veteran, is the 1,153rd firefighter from the department to die in the line-of-duty.

"Lieutenant Sullivan was a veteran fire officer and a dedicated member of our elite Special Operations Command who bravely served the Department for nearly three decades," FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said in a statement "The city and the entire Department mourn the loss of this brave individual who spent his career protecting life and property and rescuing others from harm."

Sullivan is survived by his wife, Irene, and two daughters, Nicole, 22, and Samantha, 17. 

A wake for Sullivan will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, as well as 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Smith Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc.,117 Maple Ave. East Monroe. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Road, Monroe.