A routine night turned to tragedy for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) on November 8, 2025, when veteran firefighter Patrick Brady, 42, tragically collapsed and died while battling a rooftop blaze at 9407 Kings Highway in Brooklyn. Brady, who had dedicated 11 years to the department since joining on July 14, 2014, was operating on the roof when he suddenly suffered a medical episode and went into cardiac arrest.
Despite immediate efforts from fellow firefighters and FDNY EMS, Brady could not be revived and was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His passing marks a painful milestone for the department, as he becomes the 1,163rd FDNY member to die in the line of duty. Just days prior, Firefighter Salih Abdur Rahman had passed away after his duty, underscoring the inherent risks that firefighters face every day.
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Brady’s loss is felt deeply not only by his colleagues but also by his family. A resident of Queens, he is survived by his wife Kara, his two brothers Jimmy and Brian—both FDNY firefighters—and a legacy of family members who have served or currently serve in the department. Mayor Eric Adams honored Brady’s family connection to the FDNY, calling them “a family of firefighters—dedicated to protecting the lives of their fellow New Yorkers.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the collapse of Brady highlights the dangers that come with rooftop operations and the physical strain firefighters endure in such intense conditions. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker expressed the department’s grief, calling Brady “a dedicated public servant, and firefighting was in his blood.”
As New York City prepares to honor Firefighter Patrick Brady, his life of service and sacrifice is forever etched in the history of the FDNY, as his name joins those who gave everything for the safety of others. Funeral arrangements are pending, and a community in mourning stands united in remembering a hero who gave his life to protect others.