Derek Floyd, a 36-year-old FDNY firefighter, passed away from a heart attack on April 15th, just four months after being fired as part of the city’s cost-saving efforts related to the migrant crisis. Floyd, a veteran who had served in the Middle East with the Marines, had suffered a previous heart attack in 2019 and was working in the chaplain’s office at the time of his termination.
Floyd, who had been on modified duty due to his health, was trying to become medically cleared to re-enter active duty as a firefighter before he was let go. His firing came just before he was eligible to receive additional medical benefits for his family, leaving his grieving widow and two young children struggling financially after his death. He had found a job with a non-profit organization after being fired, but the pay was substantially lower, the benefits were limited, and he had less time to spend with his family.
The budget cuts at the FDNY were aimed at reducing spending by $74 million by the end of 2025 to allocate funds for the migrant crisis. Other departments, such as the NYPD and Department of Education, are also facing significant budget cuts. The decision to terminate Floyd’s employment, along with others on “long-term duty,” has drawn criticism, especially given the understaffing issues within the FDNY.
Floyd’s widow, Cristine, expressed the impact of her husband’s firing on their family, particularly in terms of financial strain and emotional toll. She highlighted the burden of debt they were facing and the significant loss of income and benefits due to Floyd’s termination. The lack of support and assistance from the city or FDNY further compounded their difficulties, leaving them with limited resources to cover expenses.
Uniformed Firefighter Association President Andrew Ansbro criticized the decision to let go of employees like Floyd, emphasizing the importance of their roles within the department. He believed that Floyd’s termination was unnecessary and detrimental to the operations of the FDNY. The outrage over the situation has prompted calls for support for the Floyd family, with donations being directed to the New York Firefighters Foundation.
Despite the challenges they faced, Cristine remembered her husband as a dedicated firefighter and family man who had a passion for his work and cared deeply for his children. She described the pain of watching him struggle to provide after his firing and the impact it had on their family life. The circumstances surrounding Floyd’s death and his family’s situation have raised concerns about the prioritization of funding and the treatment of essential workers within the city’s budget decisions.
