An FDNY lieutenant found dead at Staten Island firehouse
An FDNY lieutenant was found dead at his Staten Island firehouse Sunday morning, officials said.
Lt. Joseph Maiello, 53, was discovered deceased at Engine 163/Ladder 83 at 875 Jewett Ave. in Castleton Corners, the FDNY said.
The death was believed to be natural, but the city Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause, the NYPD said.
“The Uniformed Fire Officers Association mourns the tragic and unexpected death of FDNY Lt. Joe Maiello, who passed away this morning, while on duty,” the union’s president, James McCarthy, said in the statement. “Our sincerest condolences and sympathies are extended to his loved ones during this heartbreaking time, just one day after the Christmas holiday.”
Maiello was a 21-year member of the FDNY and promoted to lieutenant last year. “The department is saddened by the loss, and we’re here to support the officer’s family at this time,” an FDNY spokesman said.
The Twitter account @nycfirewire tweeted about Maiello’s promotion to lieutenant after 20 years on the job last year. He had previously been at Ladder 148, according to the posting.
“Ladder 148 spending the last 24 with FF Joseph Maiello who is being promoted to Lieutenant,” the February 2020 Twitter post said. “Joe made 20 years in December, spending most of his career there since coming out of probie school. Congrats Joe!”
