FDNY firefighter dies of heart attack weeks after being fired following massive budget cuts to pay for migrants, leaving family with nothing

An FDNY firefighter has died of a heart attack after being fired as part of the city’s initiative to free up money for the migrant crisis, leaving his widow and children struggling to run their home. Derek Floyd, 36, went into cardiac arrest and died on April 15, just four months after the city fired him as part of a budget crisis to fund migrant services.

Floyd was one of about ten fire department employees who fell under the ‘long-term service’: people who were injured on the job and assigned office work, or were absent due to long-term illness. According to FDNY sources, they were terminated just weeks before Christmas.

Left to battle

Floyd’s death leaves his grieving widow, along with his six-year-old son Ethan and two-year-old daughter Abigail, facing the terrifying possibility of not being able to afford their home.

Floyd, a veteran who completed three tours in the Middle East with the Marines, had been given a desk job in the fire chaplain’s office after suffering another heart attack in 2019 while at the Fire Academy.

While working on modified duty in the chaplain’s office, Floyd helped coordinate the funerals of deceased FDNY members.

Despite being a married father of two young children, he strove to obtain medical clearance to return to active duty as a firefighter before his discharge.

Floyd was close to qualifying for additional medical benefits for his family and more than $600,000 in death benefits when he was fired, leaving his family without any support despite his years of service.

After resigning from the FDNY, Floyd found a job at a nonprofit that helped veterans. However, the salary was well below what he earned in the FDNY, the benefits were limited, and the demanding hours prevented him from spending time with his six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter.

“He was always so present for our kids and everything,” Cristine said. “Being a firefighter was something he was very passionate about. He was really a great family man, he was all about his children.

“If Derek had stayed, he would have had a life insurance policy with the FDNY. That would have helped financially because things are really bad right now. I’m honestly in a lot of debt,” his grieving widow revealed. .

Leaving family behind in the struggle

Floyd’s firing, followed by his untimely death, which has posed challenges for his family, has sparked outrage among some people.

“What bothers me most is that the FDNY is understaffed by hundreds of firefighters. Terminating Floyd was absolutely unnecessary,” Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighter Association, told The Post.

“He had an important job, and the FDNY actually needed him in that unit. He was fired so the department could prove they were cutting corners. He deserved better,” Ansbro added.

Cristine said the most difficult aspect of their ordeal was watching her husband struggle to support their family while trying to spend time with them after his discharge.

“I really, really loved him, and so it was hard,” she said.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of former probationary firefighter Derek Floyd and will explore all financial, legal and legislative options to assist his family and ensure they receive the support they need during this time,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.