An FDNY firefighter died this morning (Aug. 14) while hospitalized for a stroke he suffered while on duty on Wednesday, according to a press release from the department.
Firefighter Paul Warhola of Engine 221 in Brooklyn was hospitalized on Aug. 12 after suffering an apparent stroke while responding to a blaze.
Warhola, who was driving the fire engine, checked for a working fire hydrant outside the structure while the other members of his crew entered the building.
When they returned to the street, he was experiencing weakness, dizziness and difficulty breathing, the press release said. The firefighters began providing medical treatment and transported him back to the firehouse.
While en route, FDNY dispatchers were contacted and requested an EMS response to the firehouse. Paramedics evaluated Warhola and recognized his symptoms as possibly stroke related and transported him to Bellevue Hospital, which has a specialized unit for treating stroke victims.
Despite treatment, his condition continued to worsen, and he remained in critical condition until his death this morning.
"This is a terrible tragedy for the FDNY and the entire City of New York," Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said in a statement. "Firefighter Warhola was an honored and respected member of this department. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family."
The 47-year-old, 15-year FDNY veteran spent his entire career working at Engine 221.
He is survived by his wife, Arleen; a son, Paul, 15; and a daughter, Tiana, 13.
Firehouse.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
