An FDNY firefighter tragically passed away due to a heart attack, only a few months after being dismissed as part of the city’s initiative to allocate funds for its migrant crisis. This devastating loss has left his grieving widow and children facing significant financial hardships as they struggle to maintain a stable living situation.
Derek Floyd, a 36-year-old man, experienced cardiac arrest and unfortunately passed away on April 15th. This tragic incident occurred four months after the city let him go as part of a broader initiative to reduce staff and allocate funds for housing and services for the influx of migrants in New York City.
According to sources from the FDNY, Floyd was one of approximately 10 fire department employees who were dismissed just weeks before Christmas. These individuals had been on “long-term duty,” which could include being injured on the job and subsequently assigned office work, or being out sick for an extended period of time.
Floyd, a Marine veteran who had completed three tours in the Middle East, found himself assigned to a desk job in the fire department chaplain’s office. This was due to a heart attack he experienced while attending the Fire Academy in 2019. Despite his previous active duty service, Floyd’s health condition prevented him from participating in more physically demanding roles within the department.
While on modified duty, the firefighter played an integral role in organizing the funerals of FDNY members in the chaplain’s office.
NYC Politician Honors Fallen Heroes by Giving NYPD and FDNY Flags, Defying Critics
A New York City politician has taken a bold stand in support of the NYPD and FDNY by giving them flags to honor fallen heroes. Despite facing criticism from some on the left, the politician remained unyielding in his decision.
The act of honoring and showing respect for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty is a longstanding tradition. In a show of solidarity with the brave men and women of the NYPD and FDNY, the politician presented them with flags specially designed to honor their fallen comrades.
While this gesture may seem simple, it carries a significant meaning. It symbolizes the gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by the police and fire departments to keep the city safe. These flags serve as a poignant reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by those who lost their lives while protecting others.
Despite facing criticism from those who may have differing political views, the politician stood firm in his decision to honor the fallen heroes. By defying the naysayers, he demonstrated his unwavering support for the NYPD and FDNY. This act of defiance serves as a testament to the politician’s dedication to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by these brave men and women.
In a time when the country is grappling with issues surrounding law enforcement, this act of honoring fallen heroes is a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity. It reminds us all that despite our differences, we can come together to honor and respect those who have given their lives in service to their community.
In conclusion, the NYC politician’s decision to give the NYPD and FDNY flags honoring fallen heroes is a commendable act of support and recognition. Despite facing criticism, he remained steadfast in his commitment to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by the men and women of the NYPD and FDNY.
He was a married father of two young children who was striving to regain his medical clearance in order to rejoin the firefighting force before he ultimately lost his job.
Floyd’s years of service came to an abrupt end just before he could qualify for additional medical benefits for his family and over $600,000 worth of death benefits. Unfortunately, his sudden departure left his family with nothing, despite his dedicated service.
Cristine, the 34-year-old widow of Floyd, expressed her deep anguish when she shared with The Post the harrowing experience that her family had gone through. She firmly stated, “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
“My husband’s firing definitely had an impact on him,” she remarked. “He always made an effort to maintain a positive outlook and he wasn’t really angry about it. But I could tell that deep down, it affected him.”
“It’s interesting how you can observe someone and notice how their mind is constantly in motion, always thinking. So, I believe that this experience definitely had an impact on us.”
After being fired, Floyd discovered employment with a nonprofit organization that assists veterans. However, the salary he received was only a fraction of what he used to make with the FDNY. Additionally, the benefits were limited, and the working hours restricted his ability to spend time with his two young children, a six-year-old boy, and a two-year-old girl.
“He used to be so involved with our kids and everything,” Cristine mentioned. “Being a firefighter was a true passion of his. He was a devoted family man, especially when it came to his children.”
A deceased individual was discovered inside a burning boat near the iconic Sunny’s landmark in Red Hook, New York City. This incident has evoked nostalgia for the bygone era of Red Hook.
The widow shared that if Derek had remained with the FDNY, he would have had a life insurance policy. This policy would have provided much-needed financial support, especially considering the challenging financial situation she currently faces. In her own words, she expressed, “Right now, things are really bad and I’m honestly drowning in a lot of debt.”
City Hall made the decision to terminate Floyd as part of their strategy to reduce the FDNY budget by $74 million by 2025. This move was intended to create room for increased investment in migrant-related expenses.
The exact number of staff members who will be affected by the downsizing remains uncertain. However, there are usually around 800 to 1,000 individuals classified as “long-term duty” employees at any given moment.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is set to experience budget cuts as five upcoming Police Academy classes are being eliminated, resulting in a reduction of $132 million in funding.
The city Department of Education is set to face a significant loss of approximately $547 million. Additionally, the Department of Sanitation will experience a budget cut of $32 million.
