Firefighter videos: Fireman falls 5 stories to his death while battling fire in New York
- 7 years ago
NEW YORK — A 14-year veteran of the FDNY fell five stories to his death while battling fire at an apartment in Queens on Thursday.
According to a report in the New York Daily News, William Tolley, 42, responded to a routine call from a residential building on 1615 Putnam Avenue Thursday afternoon.
Witnesses said that while ascending to the roof from the fire truck’s ladder, Tolley took a misstep while moving between the roof and the bucket. He was able to briefly catch himself on the edge of the truck’s bucket, before plummeting to the ground.
Tolley was pronounced dead at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center emergency room later in the afternoon. Tolley, who was stationed at Engine Company 286 / Ladder Company 135 in Ridgewood, left behind a wife an 8-year-old daughter.
“He did it willingly in service of others, and today he made ultimate sacrifice,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Our hearts go out to his family. We will stand with you not only today but the days ahead and for years and years to come.”
According to a report in the New York Daily News, William Tolley, 42, responded to a routine call from a residential building on 1615 Putnam Avenue Thursday afternoon.
Witnesses said that while ascending to the roof from the fire truck’s ladder, Tolley took a misstep while moving between the roof and the bucket. He was able to briefly catch himself on the edge of the truck’s bucket, before plummeting to the ground.
Tolley was pronounced dead at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center emergency room later in the afternoon. Tolley, who was stationed at Engine Company 286 / Ladder Company 135 in Ridgewood, left behind a wife an 8-year-old daughter.
“He did it willingly in service of others, and today he made ultimate sacrifice,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “Our hearts go out to his family. We will stand with you not only today but the days ahead and for years and years to come.”