Tragic Day in NYC: Two FDNY Bravest Killed, 4 Hurt in Bronx Blaze
NEW YORK -- Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced the death of Firefighter Richard T. Sclafani of Ladder Company 103 in Brooklyn. Sclafani, age 37, a 10-year veteran of the FDNY, was fatally injured this afternoon battling a second-alarm fire in East New York, Brooklyn.
Firefighter Sclafani and members of Ladder 103 were among the first firefighters to arrive on the scene of the fire located in a private dwelling at 577 Jerome Street, which was reported at 1:36 p.m.
They entered the basement where the fire started and began searching both for the location of the fire and to rescue any trapped occupants. During these search operations, Firefighter Sclafani became separated from his colleagues.
He was found minutes later unconscious and in respiratory arrest on the cellar staircase. Firefighter Sclafani was transported to Brookdale Hospital where he died a short time later.
Firefighter Sclafani was appointed to the Fire Department on October 23, 1994 and was currently assigned to Ladder 103 in East New York, Brooklyn. During his career, Firefighter Sclafani also worked in Squad Company 18 in Manhattan. A resident of Bayside, Queens, Firefighter Sclafani is survived by his mother, Joan and his sister, Joanne.
Firefighter Sclafani is the 1,131st New York City Firefighter to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the Department's 142-year history.
