Widow Of Islip Fire Chief Encourages Others To Donate Organs

ISLIP, NY — The widow of a beloved Islip fire chief is speaking out about the importance of becoming an organ donor.

Kristina Moon, whose husband, Billy Moon, 47, died in a training accident last month, spoke to Probationary Firefighters at the New York Fire Department Fire Academy on Wednesday.

The former Islip fire chief was preparing for a drill inside his firehouse – Rescue Company 2 – located at 1815 Sterling Place in Brooklyn, on Dec. 12 when he fell about 20 feet and suffered a serious head injury, officials said.

"A month ago, my family's world was forever changed," said Moon. "After multiple surgeries, procedures and intensive interventions, it was evident that he would not recover from his injuries."

Once she knew Billy would not survive his injuries, Moon took the steps to donate his organs, because he had made all of the "hard decisions" already.

"We talked about what no one here wants to talk about. Nobody wants to talk about their life ending their final wishes or any other tragic what ifs that may occur," she said. "I was able to confidently and calmly let the hospital know his wishes to be an organ donor."

Billy's organs saved the lives of five people.

Terrence Jordan, of Floral Park, a retired FDNY lieutenant, received Billy's lungs.

At the time of the transplant, Jordan suffered end-stage COPD and emphysema, which he developed after responding to Ground Zero after the September 2001 attack, he told News12.

Before, he needed supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day. Since the surgery, he's breathing on his own, News12 said.

Retired FDNY Capt. Patrick Reynolds, of Northport, received Moon's liver, Newsday reported. He had been waiting for a liver transplant for the past year after being diagnosed with a genetic end-stage liver disease.

"It brought me great peace to know that there are people who are able to spend their holiday with family and friends because of Billy's gifts, and I'm encouraging you to do the same." said Moon.

Billy was appointed to the FDNY on May 5, 2002. He began his career in Ladder Company 133 in Queens, where he worked for 20 years before being detailed to Rescue Company 2, in Brooklyn earlier this year, FDNY said.

In addition to serving the FDNY, he also served as a member of the Islip Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island, including serving as their Chief of Department in 2017.

Billy was laid to rest in a ceremony on Dec. 29. He and Kristina share two children.

"Have the hard conversations with loved ones," said Kristina. "Change your license, go online and register."