Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced on Aug. 14 the death of Firefighter Paul Warhola. Firefighter Warhola, of Engine 221 in Brooklyn and a 15-year veteran of the FDNY, died at Bellevue Hospital. He was taken to the hospital on Aug. 12 after suffering an apparent stroke while answering a fire call. Firefighter Warhola was 47 years old.
Early Wed., Aug. 12, Engine 221 responded to a fire alarm activation in an apartment building at 164 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Firefighter Warhola, who was driving the fire engine, checked for a working fire hydrant outside the structure while the other members of Engine 221 entered the building to investigate the alarm.
When they returned to the street, Firefighter Warhola was experiencing weakness, dizziness and difficulty breathing. The firefighters began providing medical treatment and transported him back to the firehouse. Despite the treatment by hospital staff, Firefighter Warhola's condition continued to worsen, and he remained in critical condition at Bellevue until his death in the morning of Aug. 14.
Paul Warhola. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Warhola (age 47), deeply loved husband, father, son, brother and friend. Paul was born on January 3, 1962 to Mary (Harkin) and Paul Warhola. Paul is survived by his wife Arleen Warhola; son Paul (age 15); daughter Tiana (age 13); mother, Mary; sisters, Tricia, Shelly, Kerry and MaryLou; and brother Stephen. Paul served as a FDNY firefighter with Engine 221 / Ladder 104 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for 15 years. Paul was a strong, talented, kind, caring and humorous husband that devoted himself to his loving wife and wonderful children. Paul was a very intelligent person with diverse interests and talents, who was a natural leader that led by example and cared for others without expectation or exception. We will all miss Paul's smile, laughter, humor and caring heart. Wake Services will be held for Paul today August 17th from 7to 9pm and Tuesay, August 18th from 2to 4pm and from 7to 9pm at Sinnicksons Moriches Funeral Home, 203 Main Street (County Road 80), Center Moriches. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at St. John' s Evangelist Church, 25 Ocean Avenue, Center Moriches. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: In memoriam of Paul Warhola Uniformed Firefighter's Association, 204 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010, C/O: UFA Widows' and Children's Fund. Please make checks payable to the Thomas R. Elsasser Fund.
Published in Newsday on August 17, 2009
FireFighter Harry Ford, 50, a 27 year veteran assigned to Rescue 4 in
Queens, and FireFighter John Downing, 40, an 11 year veteran assigned to Ladder
163 in Queens were killed in front of the building when the facade collapsed on
them. They were both performing ventilation when the blast occured. They were
pulled from the rubble and sent to Elmhurst Hospital where they were pronounced
dead.
