Photos Courtesy of FDNY
By Michael V. Cusenza
Thousands last Wednesday attended the Mass of Christian burial of hero City Firefighter Timothy Klein who died last month battling a 3-alarm blaze in Canarsie.
The six-year veteran smoke-eater was trapped under a ceiling collapse and critically injured while fighting the fire on Avenue N. Klein was removed from the building by his fellow Bravest and rushed to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
“He was more than a Firefighter, he was more than a hero, he was representative of an American family. Your son gave his all for this country. The American dream is knit together by people who put on the uniform and run towards harm and danger,” said Mayor Eric Adams in remarks delivered at the Church of St. Francis DeSales in Belle Harbor.
“His dedication didn’t end at the firehouse door; Tim never missed a chance to help. He always stepped up for family and friends, his fellow Firefighters at work and outside of work and for the community he bravely served. He committed himself fully on and off duty, he is the kind of person we should all aspire to be,” added Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
Klein worked in Brooklyn, but was raised in Breezy Point and lived in Rockaway.
“Today I stood with the FDNY as they laid their brother Firefighter Timothy Klein to rest,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “The strength of Timothy’s mom is inspiring. I will continue to pray for Timothy, his family, friends and the entire FDNY.”
On Monday, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) sponsored a resolution that will have Klein’s heroism recognized by New York State.
“This resolution is a small way that we in the legislature can honor Firefighter Klein for laying down his life to protect others,” Addabbo said. “This is the risk that our first responders take every day they go to work. While these words cannot bring Firefighter Klein back, we hope that they can provide some comfort to his family, friends and colleagues in knowing that his sacrifice is recognized throughout New York State, and that we honor his memory.”
