FDNY Member From Massapequa Dies From Coronavirus

MASSAPEQUA, NY — A New York City firefighter from Massapequa was the first active-duty member of the department to die from the coronavirus, the FDNY announced.

Joseph A. Ferrugia, 61, was a 30-year member of the FDNY and had a decorated career. He had been cited for bravery twice in his career. Most recently, he had been assigned to the department's Rebreather Unit, where he trained other members and responded to incidents where firefighters took part in emergency operations underground and in tunnels.

“Firefighter Ferrugia is the 13th member of the department to die due to COVID-19,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “This horrific illness has taken far too many lives, and now it has killed a man who bravely served New Yorkers for three decades. He ran toward danger his entire career, searching for those trapped by flames and doing all he could to save them. Our entire department mourns his loss.”

Ferrugia first joined the department in October 1990, and was assigned to Ladder Company 142 in Queens.

He is survived by his three adult children and his five siblings.