In a tragic incident that unfolded in Brooklyn, a Navy veteran lost his life in a devastating apartment fire.
The response of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) was reportedly slowed down due to two SUVs obstructing the nearest fire hydrants. The victim, Gregory Fernandez, 38, was a respected member of his community, a dedicated family man, and an employee of the Veterans Health Administration, where he served fellow military members.
According to American Military News, the fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, engulfing the third-floor apartment in Bay Ridge that Fernandez shared with his wife and two children. The FDNY's efforts to combat the blaze were hindered by two SUVs parked at the fire hydrants, a situation that the department later highlighted on social media.
"That's horrible," lamented the victim's father, Gregory Fernandez Sr. "That's like a crime. People are dying because the fire department can't assist because you park your car in front of a hydrant. That should be a criminal offense in my eyes. People die over that.
Fernandez's wife, Alexa, 34, and their 2-year-old son were critically injured in the fire but were later stabilized, according to authorities. All three victims were rushed to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where Fernandez tragically succumbed to his injuries.
"Seconds count in an emergency and the FDNY is begging New Yorkers in all five boroughs: Please DO NOT block fire hydrants," FDNY officials implored in a social media post. "There's no time to waste working around a parked car when lives are on the line."
The couple's other child was fortunately away at a sleepover during the incident.
Fernandez was remembered by his father as a great father and a Navy veteran. "He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh as a nurse. He was a male nurse. When he was in the navy he was in the medical side of it. Im just in shock. He was an amazing person. Everybody loved Greg, Fernandez Sr. shared.
John OKeefe, a 70-year-old neighbor, described Fernandez as a dedicated father who had served as a Navy medic and had some type of PTSD from his service. Despite his struggles, Fernandez was optimistic about his future, looking forward to a promotion and plans to buy a home with his family.
The fire's cause remains under investigation, but the incident has sparked outrage among neighbors over the illegally parked SUVs that hindered the FDNY's response. "Were not sure whose cars they were," said Devika Kodi, 24, one of the distressed neighbors. "I cant believe this just happened. People just should be careful and know the rules.
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