Former Fair Lawn Firefighter Dies From Injuries In Baltimore Blaze

BALTIMORE, MD — A former Fair Lawn firefighter and son of the department's current deputy chief died Tuesday from injuries suffered while battling a fast-moving rowhome fire last week in Baltimore, according to authorities and reports.

Lt. Dillon Rinaldo was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore following the Oct. 19 fire, the Baltimore Banner reported. After the weekend, his condition worsened and he died Wednesday, according to the Banner.

"He was a true hero, and his memory and legacy in Baltimore City and the Baltimore Fire Department will continue on," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at an event Wednesday morning, according to WBAL-TV. "His willingness to put others before himself to try to protect his community each and every day is something that we should never forget."

Rinaldo was among the firefighters who responded to the blaze in Baltimore's Woodmere neighborhood Thursday. The flames intensified and spread to at least three homes, reports said.

At a news conference Thursday, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said firefighters had zero visibility when they entered the building, according to a separate Baltimore Banner report.. Flames quickly intensified and overwhelmed them, he said.

The fire also claimed the life of firefighter and EMT Rodney W. Pitts III, the Baltimore Fire Department confirmed.

Prior to moving to Baltimore, Rinaldo spent six years with the Fair Lawn Fire Department.

Fair Lawn Fire Chief Jacob Mamo also confirmed his death in a social media post, calling Rinaldo a "firehouse kid." His father, Ralph Rinaldo, currently serves as the department's deputy chief.

"Dillon fought a brave fight," Fair Lawn Fire Chief Jacob Mamo wrote. "This will be a very tough time for the department and the community as we have lost a great firefighter, a great person and a great friend."

Friends of Rinaldo set up a GoFundMe to support his fianceé, Lauren, and their newly adopted puppy, Dunkin.

"Our amazing friend Dillon is the most selfless individual anyone knows," organizer Scott Greco of Fair Lawn wrote. "He is always willing to help with anything, putting others before himself and carries a true passion for his job as a firefighter. Now we must step up and help out Dillon the same way he would help us."