A firefighter featured in a People magazine spread on working hunks was drunk when his car smashed into an elderly woman’s vehicle on Staten Island yesterday, killing her, cops said.
Dennis O’Connor, 28, also was charged with driving with a suspended license in the crash, which occurred at about 6:30 a.m. at Hylan Boulevard and Armstrong Avenue, cops said.
The firefighter’s 1985 Toyota was seized.
O’Connor, an ex-Marine and former NYPD cop, was driving south on Hylan Boulevard when his car collided with a 1988 Plymouth driven by 69-year-old Agnes Walstrom.
Walstrom was rushed to St. Vincent’s Hospital, but died about two hours later.
O’Connor, who was charged with drunken driving, was taken to Staten Island University Hospital North, where he was in stable condition.
Police took a blood sample, but his blood-alcohol level was not immediately known.
O’Connor also was charged with driving with a suspended license after a check revealed his license was lifted last Nov. 11 because he didn’t have insurance.
The firefighter, who grew up on Staten Island, was suspended without pay from Engine Co. 164 on Staten Island pending an investigation of the crash.
He spent several weeks on disability after being jumped in a bar fight and losing several front teeth, sources said. He returned to work on Thursday.
O’Connor joined the department in 1996.
Last November, he was featured in a People spread on men at work, along with four other members of New York’s Bravest.
The muscular O’Connor, who is single, was photographed in a black T-shirt and waterproof firemen’s pants. In one beefy hand, he was gripping a firemen’s pike.
He is scheduled to appear in next year’s firefighter’s calender, which features the brawniest of the Bravest.
O’Connor joined the Fire Department after serving in the NYPD from 1993-1996. He entered the department as a housing cop.
O’Connor, who turned 28 on March 6, served in the Marines from 1989-1993.
Neighbors were stunned to hear he had been charged with drunken driving.
“He’s a good guy. He did his share of partying,” said a former landlady, adding, “I don’t know him to be a heavy drinker.”
Another neighbor agreed. “I’ve never seen him drink in the 15 years that I know him. I can’t believe this.”
“He’s an all-right guy,” said his current landlord.
Neighbors described Walstrom as a loving person who took care of her diabetic brother.
“I’ve known her all my life,” said Kevin Brennan, 17. “She’s a very nice lady. I know she took care of her diabetic brother. She was just a very caring person.”
Since the city began a DWI crackdown on Feb. 22, 183 people have been charged with driving while intoxicated, and 110 cars have been seized.