By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
NEW YORK — An FDNY firefighter candidate suffered a medical emergency and died during a training run.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh stated that Alexander Griffin died after collapsing during a training exercise last week on Randall’s Island, News12 reported.
The department is reviewing its training to ensure it is as safe as possible.
“They’re seeing how dangerous this job is and while they know it, it can be much more shocking to see up close and personal,” Kavanagh said.
Griffin, 32, was transported to Metropolitan Hospital, where he later died. The run was part of a physical fitness test he needed to pass before being offered a position in an academy class.
WABC reported that Griffin died while pursuing the dream of becoming a firefighter like his brother, Sean Griffin, of Engine Company 260.
“Just a real tragedy to lose any New Yorker, he is also part of our larger firefighter family, he’s the brother of one of our members,” Kavanagh said. “We are heartbroken at his loss and trying to support his family in whatever they need at this time.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Griffin’s family with expenses. His funeral is set for Thursday in Queens.