Breaking News, Queens, NY: FDNY Firefighter William Tolley, 42, Dies in Fall From Building While Battling Apartment Fire

Report by Paula Antolini
April 20,2017 6:28PM EDT

 

Photo: FDNY Firefighter William Tolley.

 

Breaking News, Queens, NY: FDNY Firefighter William Tolley, 42, Dies in Fall From Building While Battling Apartment Fire

FDNY Firefighter William Tolley, 42, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY, died Thursday afternoon in a fall from an apartment building roof while battling a fire, landing on the pavement below. To try and prevent incidents like this, many buildings have roof guardrail systems installed, however, this does not appear to be the case in this incident as there was no protection to prevent Tolley’s fall. He fell five stories from the roof, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said at a press conference.

 

 

Tolley was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in serious condition and was later pronounced dead. Tolley was a firefighter at Ladder 135 Engine 286. He leaves behind a wife and 8-year-old daughter, said Commissioner Nigro.

Mayor de Blasio met with the family at the hospital and later held a news conference.

 

 

The death comes one month after FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo was killed as she and her partner tried to stop a 25-year-old man from hijacking the ambulance they were in.

The fire began shortly after 2 p.m. on the second floor of the five-story apartment building on Putnam Avenue in Ridgewood, and was contained by approximately 3 p.m. An investigation is ongoing as to what caused the fire.

 

Photo: Twitter post about William Tolley from FDNY. Click to view larger.

 

Bethel Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department posted: “Our thoughts are with New York City Fire Department (FDNY) today as they mourn the loss of one of their own during an incident in Queens.”

 

 

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