An FDNY lieutenant and 27-year-old veteran of the department died from a heart attack after a 24-hour tour, officials said Tuesday.
Lt. Brian J. Sullivan, 54, of Squad Company 41 in the Bronx, responded to seven emergencies, including a kitchen fire and several medical calls during his tour on Friday, the FDNY said. After he returned to his home in upstate Monroe, he suffered a heart attack and was taken to Orange Regional Medical Center in cardiac arrest, where he died.
During his tour, Sullivan complained of pain and discomfort, but continued to respond to calls, the FDNY said.
“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 Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said. “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.
“This is a tragic loss for the Fire Department and for the City of New York,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Brian Sullivan was a dedicated firefighter who put himself in harm’s way for 27 years to protect the lives of others.”
Sullivan is the 1,153rd member of the FDNY to die as a result of injuries suffered in the line of duty, the FDNY said.
The nonprofit Answer the Call will give Sullivan’s widow $25,000 to assist with immediate expenses and hopes to raise enough to provide the family with annual financial support every year for the rest of her life.
“We send our deepest condolences to Lt. Sullivan’s family and the entire FDNY community,” said Lauren Profeta, executive director of Answer the Call. “Answer the Call vows to honor Lt. Sullivan by helping those he loved the most — his family. His bravery, heroism, and service to our city will never be forgotten.”
A second wake for Sullivan will be held at the Smith, Seaman and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home in Monroe on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. His funeral service will be at the Sacred Heart Church at 26 Still Rd. on Friday at 11 a.m.
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