Latest news with #UniformedFirefightersAssociation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Family of FDNY firefighter who died of a heart attack after he lost his job gets boost from new ‘relief fund'
The grief-stricken family of a FDNY firefighter who died of a heart attack after he was let go from the department after losing his job because of migrant crisis budget cuts got a $50,000 boost from a new 'relief fund.' Long Islander Derek Floyd's widow, Christine Floyd, is the first recipient of the FDNY Firefighters Foundation relief fund — an effort created by Nassau County and the Uniformed Firefighters Association labor union. 'I'm just so grateful because I didn't have the means when he passed,' Christine Floyd, a mother of two, told The Post. 'I was way over my head in debt.' The fund was established to assist when firefighters face difficulties like the death of a spouse, long-term medical care, or a child born with a birth defect, union leaders said. 'I would say every year we see ourselves with about a half dozen to a dozen firefighters that are suffering something catastrophic,' UFA president Andrew Ansbro said. 'We're hoping we'll be able to provide long-term care,' he added of the finances currently coming solely from private donations and events like golf outings. WABC radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis donated $10,000 to the fund, while Sullivan Papain, a firefighter advocacy law firm, has contributed $5,000. Derek served valiantly as a distinguished US Marine sergeant for nearly a decade before joining the FDNY as a probationary member. His probationary status left Christine out of a lifetime of income after the fatal heart attack. Christine, who met her husband of almost seven years as total strangers on a subway platform, missed about $600,000 in death benefits, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which paid the mortgage on their home. 'When you think widow, you're thinking of someone who has lived their life and has had plenty of years…now you're navigating this life without your partner in a two-income household,' said Christine Floyd, a 35-year-old guidance counselor in NYC's Department of Education. During his time in the FDNY, which began in 2019, Derek Floyd was on light duty in the ceremonial unit after a heart issue was found while he was in the FDNY academy. Floyd previously went into cardiac arrest, and his wife had to do chest compressions on him. He died in April 2024. She remembered her late husband as a family man who loved dressing in costumes to surprise their children, Ethan and Abigail, and would spend hours playing video games with them. Derek Floyd made sure their house was the best on the block when it came to holiday decorating, she added. 'He was very ambitious, and loyal, and disciplined. He was just a guy that everyone liked to be with,' Christine Floyd said. Derek Floyd was 'always a guy with a plan' who would want to know his loved ones were being taken care of now, she said. 'Derek always said, 'blood doesn't make you family,'' she said. 'I feel like everyone who has contributed and everyone who has rallied around us, they are our family.' The next recipient that the union president has in mind is an FDNY member who has been in intensive care since suffering a heart attack on a call in late winter. The firefighter may be forced to pay out of pocket if the ailment is ruled as not being directly related to the line of duty, he added. The issue also hits home to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, whose nephew died as a first responder during 9/11. This 'near and dear' issue made it a no-brainer for Blakeman to help intervene on behalf of 'trying to help people who would otherwise fall through the cracks' — especially the many who are vital community members on Long Island. 'The firefighters do an amazing job protecting the city of New York, but they also do a great job out here in Nassau.'
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Family of FDNY firefighter who died of a heart attack after he lost his job gets boost from new ‘relief fund'
The grief-stricken family of a FDNY firefighter who died of a heart attack after he was let go from the department after losing his job because of migrant crisis budget cuts got a $50,000 boost from a new 'relief fund.' Long Islander Derek Floyd's widow Christine Floyd is the first recipient of the FDNY Firefighters Relief Fund — a joint effort created by Nassau County and the the Uniformed Firefighters Association labor union. 'I'm just so grateful because I didn't have the means when he passed,' Christine Floyd, a mother of two, told The Post. 'I was way over my head in debt.' 8 Christine Floyd — the widow of FDNY firefighter Derek Floyd — with Uniformed Firefighters Association president Andrew Ansbro at an event announcing Floyd as the first recipient of the FDNY Firefighters Relief Fund in Garden City on June 9, 2025. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post The fund was established to assist when firefighters face difficulties like the death of a spouse, long-term medical care, or a child born with a birth defect, union leaders said. 'I would say every year we see ourselves with about a half dozen to a dozen firefighters that are suffering something catastrophic,' UFA president Andrew Ansbro said. 'We're hoping we'll be able to provide long-term care,' he added of the finances currently coming solely from private donations and events like golf outings. WABC radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis donated $10,000 to the fund while Sullivan Papain, a firefighter advocacy law firm, has contributed $5,000. 8 Derek Floyd died of a heart attack last year after being laid off due to budget cuts. Obtained by the NY Post 8 Floyd with Christine and their children. FDNY Famlies Assistance Unit A hero honored Derek served valiantly as a distinguished US Marine sergeant for nearly a decade before joining the FDNY as a probationary member. His probationary status left Christine out of a lifetime of income after the fatal heart attack. Christine, who met her husband of almost seven years ago as total strangers on a subway platform, missed about $600,000 in death benefits, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which paid the mortgage on their home. 'When you think widow, you're thinking of someone who has lived their life and has had plenty of years…now you're navigating this life without your partner in a two-income household,' said Christine Floyd, a 35-year-old guidance counselor in NYC's Department of Education. 8 Christine Floyd will receive $50,000 from the fund. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 8 Christine Floyd said she was 'over my head' in debt after her husband passed away. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post During his time in the FDNY, which began in 2019, Derek Floyd was on light duty in the ceremonial unit after a heart issue was found while he was in the FDNY academy. Floyd previously went into cardiac arrest, and his wife had to do chest compressions on him. He died in April 2024. She remembered her late husband as a family man who loved dressing in costumes to surprise their children Ethan and Abigail and would spend hours playing video games with them. Derek Floyd made sure their house was the best on the block when it came to holiday decorating, she added. 8 Ansbro wiping away tears at the press conference announcing the FDNY Firefighters Relief Fund. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 8 Floyd giving Ansbro a hug after her donation was announced. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post 'He was very ambitious, and loyal, and disciplined. He was just a guy that everyone liked to be with,' Christine Floyd said. Derek Floyd was 'always a guy with a plan' who would want to know his loved ones were being taken care of now, she said. 'Derek always said, 'blood doesn't make you family,'' she said. 'I feel like everyone who has contributed and everyone who has rallied around us, they are our family.' 8 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaking about the fund in Garden City — an issue he says is 'near and dear' to him. Heather Khalifa for the NY Post The next recipient that the union president has in mind is an FDNY member who has been in intensive care since suffering a heart attack on a call in late winter. The firefighter may be forced to pay out of pocket if the ailment is ruled as not being directly related to the line of duty, he added. The issue also hits home to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, whose nephew died as a first responder during 9/11. This 'near and dear' issue made it a no-brainer for Blakeman to help intervene on behalf of 'trying to help people who would otherwise fall through the cracks' — especially the many who are vital community members on Long Island. 'The firefighters do an amazing job protecting the city of New York, but they also do a great job out here in Nassau.'
New York Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
NYC firefighter unions back Andrew Cuomo for mayor, solidifying labor support
The unions representing FDNY members are backing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor, solidifying the frontrunner's support among labor groups weeks before a Democratic Party primary. Cuomo picked up the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Firefighters Officers Association after picking up endorsements from the department's ambulance workers' unions — EMS Local 2507 and EMS Officers Union Local 3621. Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo picked up the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Firefighters Officers Association. LP Media 'Throughout his time as governor, Andrew Cuomo consistently demonstrated that he values the lives, safety, and dignity of New York's firefighters and first responders,' said Andrew Ansbro, UFA president. 'During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city was under siege, he ensured emergency services were prioritized for PPE [personal protective equipment] and testing long before federal support arrived.' He also said Cuomo pushed through laws that protected 9/11 responders and their families. Ansbro's praise of Cuomo's management of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York counters severe criticism that he mishandled the outbreak — particularly when his administration issued a controversial March 2020 edict that required nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-infected patients discharged from hospitals. UFOA president James Brosi said Cuomo has supported the integrity of the civil service system and protecting pensions. 'As zoning changes and increased population density strain our resources, Andrew supports the expansion of public safety personnel and infrastructure to meet growing demands—ensuring that New York remains not only livable, but safe for all who call it home,' Brosi said. Cuomo vowed to champion the bravest in the FDNY. 'Being a firefighter isn't just a job—it's a calling,' Cuomo said. 'The brave men and women of the FDNY put their lives on the line every day, in aid of others, without hesitation.' Cuomo has solidified support among labor groups weeks before a Democratic Party primary. Michael Nagle In a statement, he mentioned the 343 firefighters killed responding to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that toppled the World Trade Centers, and others who later died from illnesses from exposure to toxic fumes. 'I will never forget their sacrifices, and I will work to ensure that every branch of government provides these heroes with the resources they deserve,' the ex-governor said. Cuomo quickly emerged as the frontrunner in the mayoral primary despite having resigned as governor amid a slew of sexual misconduct claims he denies. He has secured the lion's share of endorsements from labor unions compared to his rivals including: the Teamsters, health care workers 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and most of the construction trade unions. UFA, which represents 20,000 firefighters, endorsed Andrew Yang in the 2021 primary while current Mayor Eric Adams. had been previously received support from the UFOA — which has 7,500 members including lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers.
