New York City will hold flags at half-staff in memory of firefighter Timothy Klein, 31, who lost his life after a roof collapsed while trying to put out a fire in Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon.
The flags will be stocked until Klein’s burial date, Mayor Eric Adams ordered.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Firefighter Timothy Klein of Ladder Company 170, who died in the line of duty, all flags, shall be lowered to half-staff until the date of Firefighter Klein’s interment, by order of the Mayor of the City of New York, Eric Adams. https://t.co/6c9oW9SrU8
— NYC Mayor’s Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) April 24, 2022
–
Firefighter Timothy Klein had been with the Fire Department for 6 years and was one of more than 100 FDNY members and 33 units that responded to the residence in Avenue N in Canarsie, Brooklyn, which caught fire shortly after 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Klein and several other firefighters were inside the house when its deterioration prompted the crew to evacuate the structure. However, before they could get out, Klein and three other FDNY members were trapped as part of the roof collapsed.
Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh confirmed that the other three firefighters were able to escape the fire and were transported to a hospital for treatment. One of them was seriously injured due to the collapse and the other two were taken to the Staten Island burn center.
Two other firefighters were also injured. On the other hand, the authorities are looking for a person who lives in the place and who is missing, but they do not know if she is trapped in the building.
“New York has lost one of its bravest,” Mayor Eric Adams said of Klein, speaking at a news conference from Brookdale Hospital.
“The tragic loss of Firefighter Klein brings sadness to New York City, its eight million residents and all members of the FDNY family. Firefighter Klein is a hero to this city, this country and his fellow firefighters, and will be forever remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice so others might live,” said Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Firefighters Association. “Words cannot accurately describe the loss of a fellow firefighter in your company and in this department, and the Klein family is now experiencing the worst nightmare of anyone who has sworn the sacred oath to the FDNY. We mourn their loss, offer our deepest Sincere condolences to all who are grieving and we will be here to support their loved ones and co-workers from Ladder Company 170 y Engine Company 257y Battalion 58”.
Firefighter Klein comes from a family with strong ties to the FDNY. Kavanagh said his father, as well as other family members, are current and former members of the department. Klein, the officials added, is the second member of Ladder Company 170 who dies on the job in a matter of years and is the 1,157th member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
–
