BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Firefighters across New York City are mourning the loss of one of their own after veteran FDNY firefighter Patrick Brady died responding to a fire in Brooklyn.
Outside Ladder 120 on Watkins Street in Brownsville, grief filled the air as firefighters gathered to remember Brady and stand by the family he left behind.
Early Sunday morning, members of the FDNY honored the 42-year-old firefighter, who collapsed from cardiac arrest while battling a fire on Kings Highway. Brady was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he passed away shortly after.
In a statement, the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association said, “Firefighter Brady made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of this city, and his passing is a devastating reminder of the dangers our members face every single day in service to others.”
Brady served 11 years with the department and came from a long line of firefighters — several of his brothers, a cousin, and an uncle have also served or continue to serve. His firehouse was draped in black and purple bunting, a solemn sign of mourning and respect.
Fellow firefighter Scott Coyne described Brady as an informal leader who inspired those around him. “He was an organizer, he brightened up the room,” Coyne said. “When you look back over your life, you always want to be a figure like a Pat Brady.”
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Lt. James Walker said Brady was someone you could always count on. “Pat was the type of guy you really hoped was working when you were coming into work,” he said. Firefighter Jake Touhey, who knew Brady for nearly two decades, shared that “his love for this firehouse only came second to the love he had for his wife Kara.”
At the firehouse, colleagues stood silently as the American flag was lowered and the bunting was placed above the door. City leaders also shared words of comfort and respect for Brady’s service.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said, “We mourn the passing of Firefighter Patrick Brady, whose bravery this city is deeply indebted to. New York City is forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.”
Mayor Eric Adams added, “It takes courage to put on that uniform and put your life at risk for others. There’s a reason we call them New York’s bravest.”
For those who worked alongside him, Sunday’s ceremony was both a farewell and a promise — to remember his courage, carry his spirit forward, and keep leaning on each other.
Answer the Call, a nonprofit that supports the families of fallen first responders, will provide Brady’s widow with $65,000 in immediate support. Donations are being collected to further assist his family. To learn more, click here.
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