FDNY Lieutenant Found Dead at Staten Island Firehouse

Lt. Joseph Maiello, 53, was found dead Engine 163/Ladder 83 at 875 Jewett Ave. in Castleton Corners. The recently-promoted FDNY lieutenant passed away unexpectedly and was discovered by his co-workers on Sunday morning.

The 21-year FDNY member was beloved by his fellow firefighters, and the community is shocked by his sudden passing this weekend.

Recently-promoted FDNY lieutenant found dead at Staten Island firehouse https://t.co/yzEGyl5ryf pic.twitter.com/VQHlPqE0wA

— New York Post (@nypost) December 26, 2021

https://t.co/4nEjRb3hX3

— NYCFireWire (@NYCFireWire) December 26, 2021

Rest In Peace Lt Joseph Maiello L-83, who passed away suddenly while at work on Christmas night. https://t.co/JtEL5o5qAY

— Michael V. Meyers (@BC9MVM) December 26, 2021

Lt. Joesph Maiello was discovered dead inside Engine 163/Ladder 83 headquarters on Jewett Ave. in Westerleigh, FDNY officials said. https://t.co/i3bLbdvMvw

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) December 26, 2021

The New York Post reported:

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!”

A source told me that unvaccinated FDNY firefighters are still working until the review of religious and medical exemptions is complete.

It’s the same review process for the NYPD, and more information will potentially become available in January. Thus, the COVID-19 vaccination status of FDNY Lt. Joe Maiello is unavailable at this time.