The IAFF is saddened to report Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) of New York Local 94 member Timothy Klein, 31, died in the line of duty while responding to a three-alarm Brooklyn house fire on April 24. Additionally, at least eight of his fellow fire fighters sustained injuries.
“I am heartbroken to hear about the untimely death of Brother Klein,” says General President Edward Kelly. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and crew. This IAFF stands ready to assist the family and our New York brothers and sisters in their time of mourning.”
“Today, we are grieving the loss of a valued member of our first district family,” says 1st District Vice President James Slevin. “The best thing we can do during this sad time is to be there for the family and each other. We will get through this together.”
Klein, a six-year veteran, and was among more than 100 fire fighters who responded to the fire. Once on the scene, Klein and three others went inside to conduct an interior attack.
When the structure started to deteriorate, the incident commander ordered everybody out. But the ceiling partially collapsed before Klein and three others could get out, trapping them inside.
Three were able to get out and were transported to the hospital for treatment, but Klein could not be pulled free from the rubble before he died from his injuries.
“There are no words to aptly describe the loss of Brother Klein,” says UFA Local 94 President Andrew Ansbro. “We will never forget him, or his sacrifice and we offer our sincerest sympathies to all those who are grieving, including the members of Ladder Company 170 and Engine Company 257, and Battalion 58.”
During the recovery efforts, emergency service personnel also found the body of one of the residents of the home.
The IAFF is continuing to follow the story and will post updates as they become available.
