The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is in mourning following the death of Patrick Brady, a highly respected 42-year-old firefighter who suffered a fatal heart attack while battling a massive blaze in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood late Sunday night.
Brady, a 17-year veteran of the FDNY, collapsed during the department’s response to a five-alarm fire that tore through a row of residential buildings near Pitkin Avenue and Bristol Street. Despite immediate medical attention from his colleagues and emergency crews, Brady was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Brookdale University Hospital.
“Patrick Brady was one of the bravest and most dedicated members of this department,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh during a press conference Monday morning. “He served the people of New York with courage, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty. His loss is a tragedy not only for the FDNY family but for the entire city.”
Fire officials confirmed that Brady had been part of Ladder Company 120, one of the first units on the scene when the fire erupted around 10:30 p.m. The blaze quickly spread to neighboring structures, forcing dozens of residents to evacuate into the cold night. More than 150 firefighters battled the flames for hours before bringing them under control.
No civilian deaths were reported, though several residents and firefighters suffered minor injuries. Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, but preliminary findings suggest it may have started in a basement unit.
Neighbors described Brady as a familiar, reassuring presence in the community. “He was the kind of firefighter who would check in on you after a call,” said Angela Ruiz, a longtime Brownsville resident. “He cared about people — not just about fighting fires.”
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani extended condolences to Brady’s family and the FDNY, calling his passing “a sobering reminder of the risks our first responders face every day.” Flags at all city firehouses were ordered to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Brady is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their two children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later this week, with thousands of firefighters from across the country anticipated to attend.
As New York City grieves another hero lost in the line of duty, tributes have poured in across social media under the hashtag #FDNYStrong, honoring a man remembered not only for his bravery but for his compassion.
