Bronx Fire Lieutenant Dies After Heroic Effort at Blaze
Jan. 20, 1971
The Fire Department report ed yesterday that a Bronx fire lieutenant who spotted a fire on his way to work, and then went to search for occupants in the burning building, collapsed and died after the fire was put out.
The dead officer was identified as Lieut. Jerome O'Connor, 34 years old, of Ladder Company 27‐2, quartered at 453 East 176th St. He was cited for bravery three years ago for rescuing a 4‐year‐old boy in similar fire.
Fire officials said Lieutenant O'Connor saw a fire on the second floor of a tenement at 1929 Washington Avenue while on his way to work. He ran into the building to rout the tennants and to search for any who might be trapped.
After the flames were out, the fire officer col lapsed, apparently of a heart attack. He was dead on ar rival at Bronx Lebanon Hospital.
Lieutenant O'Connor leaves a wife, three children and two brothers in the New York City Police Department. He lived in Bronxville, N.Y.
