Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro Announces the Death of Firefighter Michael R. Davidson

March 23, 2018

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced the death of Firefighter Michael R. Davidson of Engine Company 69 in Manhattan, a 15-year veteran of the FDNY who died from critical injuries sustained while fighting a 5th alarm fire in Harlem on Friday, March 23, 2018.
 
“Firefighter Davidson bravely battled many fires and responded to countless calls for help from New Yorkers throughout his 15 years of dedicated service,” said Commissioner Nigro. “Our department and our entire city mourn this tragic loss of a very brave Firefighter.”

Firefighter Davidson and the members of Engine 69 responded at 10:50 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, along with additional fire units to reports of fire in the basement of a five-story building at 773 St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. Firefighter Davidson, who was assigned to the nozzle – with the responsibility of operating a hoseline to suppress the fire – became separated from his fellow Firefighters inside the rapidly deteriorating fire conditions. After a desperate search to locate Firefighter Davidson, he was transported to Harlem Hospital where he died.

Firefighter Davidson was appointed as a Firefighter in May of 2003 and assigned to Engine Company 69 in Harlem. On four different occasions he was cited for bravery and life-saving actions. He is the 1,150th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice in the line-of-duty. His death comes eight days after the deaths of Lieutenant Christopher J. Raguso and Fire Marshal Christopher T. “Tripp” Zanetis, who died in an American military helicopter crash in Iraq.

Firefighter Davidson of Floral Park, New York, is survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children; three daughters, ages 7, 3, and 1 and a son, age 6. Firefighter Davidson is the son of retired Firefighter Robert Davidson, who served the Department for 26 years (primarily in the same firehouse as his son); and the brother of Firefighter Eric Davidson, an 11-year veteran, of Engine Company 88 in the Bronx.

Funeral arrangements are pending.
 
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