FDNY Firefighter William Tolley dies after fall — watch press conference
FDNY confirms that Firefighter Willam Tolley, age 42 and a 14-year veteran of the department, died today (Thursday) after a five-story fall during a two-alarm apartment fire on Putnam Avenue in the Ridgewood section of Queens. Firefighter Tolley leaves behind his wife Marie and an 8-year-old daughter, Bella. He was assigned to Tower Ladder 135, Engine 286 in Queens.
A firefighter has died after falling from a Queens rooftop while battling a fire Thursday afternoon.
The fire broke out on the second floor of an apartment located at1615 Putnam Ave in Ridgewood around 2:30 p.m.
Officials say William Tolley, 42, fell from the roof of the five-story building. By 3 p.m., the fire was under control.
It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the line of duty death of Firefighter William N. Tolley https://t.co/ssgLlzjrmb pic.twitter.com/kj4sqDb8q5
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 20, 2017
Officials identified the firefighter as William Tolley, 42. He was a 14-year member of the Fire Department.
“[He was a] man dedicated to protecting others,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Gave his life to this work. Like all members of the FDNY, understood everyday he put his life on the line… and today he made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The injured firefighter was in a ladder bucket while attempting to extinguish the flames when he fell, sources and witnesses told the NY Post.
