Firefighters line Staten Island street for funeral of FDNY Lieutenant Joseph Maiello
WESTERLEIGH, Staten Island (WABC) -- Funeral services were held on Staten Island Thursday for an FDNY lieutenant who died on the job.
Hundreds of firefighters lined a street in Westerleigh as a procession carrying the coffin of Joseph Maiello arrived at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church.
The 53-year-old was discovered unconscious while on duty at his firehouse, Engine 163 and Ladder 83 on Staten Island, on Sunday.
FDNY-Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Lt. James McCarthy released a statement saying, "Today we lay to rest our brother and 22 year veteran of the Department, Lt. Joseph Maiello. His loss brings sorrow to the entire FDNY Family, and he leaves behind a legacy of an outstanding person, professional, and family man. We stand, united in grief, with his family, wife, children, and his loved ones - especially the members of Engine Co. 163/Lader Co. 83, and Engine Co. 282/Ladder Co. 148 - and will forever be here to support them. This is a heartbreaking day for our Department and this union, and we will forever honor Lt. Maiello, and his service to this City will never be forgotten. May he Rest in Peace."
Maiello was a 22-year veteran of the fire department.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro paid his respects to Maiello at Mathew Funeral Home on Victory Boulevard.
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He said it was a sad day for the fire department and for the Maiello family.
Nigro says Maiello's sudden death hit everyone he works with very hard.
"Death at this time of year seems even more difficult to take as we try to enjoy this holiday season together. We certainly can't now," Nigro said. "Tomorrow he'll be given a real department sendoff that he so deserves."
He's survived by his wife and two children.
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