Community Mourns FDNY Firefighter Patrick Brady at Funeral in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, New York — Family, friends, and colleagues gathered on Saturday morning for the funeral of beloved FDNY Firefighter Patrick Brady, who died in the line of duty on November 8.

The service took place at the Church of St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor, where attendees celebrated Brady’s life and legacy. Outgoing Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker spoke during the ceremony, posthumously promoting Brady to the rank of lieutenant.

Brady, 42, suffered cardiac arrest while responding to a five-alarm fire in Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was working on the roof of an apartment building when he collapsed and was later pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center.

Prior to the funeral, a wake was held at Marine Park Funeral Home, drawing many firefighters who came to honor their fallen brother. Daniel Coleman, from Battalion 3, emphasized the importance of showing support for Brady’s family during the difficult time. “He’ll be missed every day, but we hope they find peace,” Coleman said.

Brady had a long family history with the FDNY; both of his brothers, Jimmy and Brian, as well as his cousins and uncles are firefighters. Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences, noting the family’s dedication to service.

Brady lived in Far Rockaway, Queens, with his wife, Kara, who shared her heartbreak at the wake. “The 16 years we shared together were the best of my life. If I could choose anyone in the world to love, I would choose him over and over again,” she said.

The funeral was streamed online, allowing more community members to participate in the memorial. Flags were flown at half-staff in his honor, a testament to the impact he had on the city and the fire department.

Brady is the 1,163rd FDNY member to die in the line of duty. His passing marks a tragic loss for the department, which also recently faced the line of duty death of Paramedic Salih Abdur Rahman.