FDNY Firefighter Patrick Brady Dies Battling Brooklyn Rooftop Blaze

BROOKLYN, NY — A veteran FDNY firefighter died in the line of duty Saturday night after suffering a medical emergency while battling a Brooklyn rooftop blaze, officials said.

Officials identified him as Firefighter Patrick D. Brady, 42, who went into cardiac arrest while working on the roof of a six-story apartment building on Kings Highway near E. 94th St. in Brownsville, authorities said.

Fire officials called for an all-hands response just after 9:30 p.m., after residents reported flames on the sixth floor that woke them from their sleep.

According to the FDNY, the 11-year department veteran was working on the roof of the burning building when he went into cardiac arrest.

His fellow firefighters and FDNY medics performed lifesaving measures before rushing him to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the FDNY.

"Our firefighters are out there day and night protecting the people of the city. Patrick Brady was one of them, and he was an outstanding firefighter. His loss, it's a tremendous loss, obviously, for his fire company, the Fire Department, and the city as a whole," Chief of Department John Esposito said in a statement.

A resident of Belle Harbor in the Rockaways, Brady joined the FDNY in July 2014 and most recently served with Ladder 120 in Brownsville starting in 2022. He came from a family of firefighters, with his brothers Jimmy and Brian currently in the department and several cousins and uncles who have served, according to FDNY officials.

"He gave his life protecting the city we all love. There is no sacrifice that is more selfless than the actions that took place this evening," Mayor Eric Adams said. "I would like to first express my deepest sympathy for Ms. Brady, his wife, and the Brady family."

"This family is a firefighter family, they have been dedicated to protecting the lives of New Yorkers and we will all cherish Patrick's memory. I know that he comes from a strong lineage of firefighters and we realize how painful this is for the family and for the people of this city," Adams continued.

The department said Brady’s death marks the 1,163rd line-of-duty loss in FDNY history. The previous fatality was Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman, who served 23 years and died on Oct. 29 after finishing a shift at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island.

"Every response carries a risk, and every member of the FDNY answers that call with courage every single day," Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry said. "To every firefighter, EMT, and every first responder, we say thank you. You put your lives on the line for New Yorkers every day, and this city will always have your back. Thank you."

Funeral arrangements for Brady are still being finalized, FDNY officials said.