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FDNY mechanic supervisor, Long Island volunteer FF dies from COVID-19

FDNY Supervisor of Mechanics Thomas Ward, 60, who also volunteered for the Massapequa Fire Department, died on Monday

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By Laura French

NEW YORK — An FDNY mechanic supervisor who was also a volunteer firefighter on Long Island has died due to COVID-19.

FDNY Supervisor of Mechanics and Massapequa Firefighter Thomas Ward, 60, died Monday due to the virus, the FDNY announced. He had served as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Massapequa for 32 years and joined the FDNY as an auto mechanic in the Bureau of Fleet Services 26 years ago.

Ward’s most recent assignment was as the supervisor of the FDNY’s Ambulance Shop, overseeing the repair and maintenance of the department’s ambulance fleet.

“Thomas Ward is one of the many talented professionals who ensured day in and day out that the Department was ready to respond to every call for help that came our way,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said in a statement. “His leadership and skills made certain our ambulances arrived quickly to help New Yorkers experiencing a medical emergency and that they would arrive safely at the hospital for additional care as well. The entire Department mourns his loss.”

Ward is remembered for his easy-going demeanor and was known as a “gentle giant,” according to the FDNY. He is survived by his siblings and his two sons.

As of April 27, a total of 10 FDNY members had died due to COVID-19. Auto Mechanic James Villecco; Deputy Chief Inspector Syed Rahman; Supervising Fire Protection Inspector Edward Mungin; EMT Gregory Hodge; EMT John Redd; EMT Idris Bey; EMT Richard Seaberry; and Kellie Childs, the director of the cashier’s unit at the FDNY’s Bureau of Revenue Management, have also died from the virus. The department said the identity of a 10th fallen member will not be released out of respect for their family’s request for anonymity.

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