Tragedy struck in the Bronx on Tuesday morning when the New York City Fire Department responded to reports of a gas leak. When they arrived at the house in question, they discovered it was linked to a marijuana-growth operation. When they were evacuating the house, an explosion went off. Flying debris hit and killed battalion chief Michael Fahy.
In a press conference, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio offered some personal information on the fallen firefighter.
Chief Fahy, 44 years old, was a father of three children, ages 6, 8 and 11, Mr. de Blasio said. He was the son of a fire chief and an emerging leader in the department, said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. It is the department’s first death in the line of duty in two years, he said.
“He was on the rise. He was a star,” said Mr. Nigro. “We lost a hero today and our members are all saddened.”
Eight firefighters, six police officers, three Con Edison employees and two civilians were also injured in the accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fahy family and his fellow firefighters.