A firefighter with the New York City Fire Department plunged to his death on Sunday night in Brooklyn from the Belt Parkway’s Mill Basin drawbridge.
He was trying to rescue two trapped motorists after an accident.
The deceased firefighter has been identified as 30-year-old Steven H. Pollard, as The New York Post reported.
Pollard was a probationary firefighter.
He was identified by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro during a press conference.
Pollard was trying to reach two injured motorists on foot, the report said.
It is with deep regret that @NYCMayor Bill de Blasio and FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announce the death of Probationary Firefighter Steven H. Pollard. Read more: https://t.co/zed7Wc4rvi pic.twitter.com/K71VacIigp
— FDNY (@FDNY) January 7, 2019
The two motorists had reportedly flipped their car and were trapped.
Pollard attempted to cross a three-foot-wide gap that separated the eastbound and westbound lanes, as Fox News noted.
But he inadvertently plunged 52 feet, fire officials said.
It’s unclear whether he was aware of the gap in the lanes or not.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) as they mourn the loss of Probationary Firefighter Steven H. Pollard.
"It is with deep regret that Mayor Bill de Blasio and FDNY… https://t.co/1G1RCUBTc8
— Riverdale Heights FD (@rhvfd13) January 7, 2019
The joy and laughter of hosting a late night sports talk show quickly fades on news that we lost a cherished member of the @FDNY . These men & women represent the heart and soul of New York City. Condolences to the family of the fallen Firefighter. Honor & Respect to the #FDNY.
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) January 7, 2019
Stunned and so deeply saddened by this line of duty death. They all hit home.. but this one closer than most. Rest well Firefighter Pollard. News 12 Brooklyn New York City Fire Department (FDNY) https://t.co/C3ceegQsfu
— Tara Joyce (@tarajoycetv) January 7, 2019
The men and women of @LAFD extend the deepest condolence to the family, friends and colleagues of Probationary Firefighter Pollard, and to the people of New York City, who have lost a proud, capable and caring Guardian. May He Rest in Peace.
— LAFD Talk (@LAFDtalk) January 7, 2019
Mayor de Blasio said it was a “very sad night here in our city.”
He added that Pollard “was trying to do such a good and important thing.”
“It’s just really painful to see him as we did in the hospital room,” he said.
“This is a family who has done so much for New York City and now they’re going through this loss and this pain,” de Blasio added. “It’s a very, very tough situation.”
Nigro said Pollard is the 1,151 FDNY member to die in the line of duty, according to The New York Post.
Police Commissioner James O’Neill tweeted early Monday that his department sends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the firefighter who fell Sunday night. “#NYC will never forget your sacrifice,” the tweet read.
Pollard hails from a family of firefighters, including his father, Ray Pollard, of Ladder 102 in Brooklyn, and his brother Ray Pollard Jr., who is a member of Ladder Company 114, CBS News reported.
Survivors also include his mother.
The firefighter was taken to Kings County Hospital in serious condition, CBS New York’s Natalie Duddridge reported.
He passed away in the hospital.
Police Commissioner James O’Neill tweeted early Monday that his department sends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the firefighter who fell Sunday night. “#NYC will never forget your sacrifice,” the tweet read.
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from all over the country.
The Los Angeles Fire Department, in a tweet, extended its “deepest condolence to the family, friends and colleagues of Probationary Firefighter Pollard, and to the people of New York City, who have lost a proud, capable and caring guardian. May He Rest in Peace,” the department’s tweet read.
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