Officials announced on Friday that a veteran New York City firefighter who fell 20 feet while preparing for a training exercise in his Queens station house will not survive his injuries.
William P. Moon, a 21-year veteran of the department, was maintained on life support while doctors prepared to use his organs for transplantation, according to a press conference held by Mayor Eric Adams.
“It became evident this morning that he will not survive his injuries,” the mayor added. “His family took the painful decision to donate his organs to save others’ lives.”
The 47-year-old was preparing for a drill at Ocean Hill’s Rescue Company 2 on Sterling Place near Howard Avenue shortly before noon on Monday when he collapsed and suffered a severe head injury, according to the FDNY.
According to sources, the rescue business was preparing to practice rescuing personnel stranded on window washing equipment when he fell from a platform meant to simulate such situations.
This type of work takes substantial training, according to John J. Hodgens, chief of department for the FDNY. This terrible event occurred when Billy was preparing for one of these training activities.
On the scene, he was treated by his fellow firemen before being transferred to the Kings County Hospital Center in severe condition.
Adams applauded Moon’s decision to donate an organ.
The mayor stated, “Firefighter Moon is a hero twice over.” He saved the lives of his fellow New Yorkers for 21 years, and he will continue to do so after his death.
Rescue Company 2 is an elite team that responds to any form of emergency imaginable in New York City, according to FDNY Department Chief John J. Hodgens’ statement to media.
Hodgens stated that the team also concentrates on rescuing construction workers trapped by collapses and drownings in addition to window washers.
The department claimed Moon was appointed to the FDNY on May 5, 2002.
He began his career at Ladder Company 133 in Queens, where he worked for 20 years before being transferred to Rescue Company 2 by the department.
Throughout his 20-year career, “His acts [in Queens] — it’s a busy ladder company, no doubt – saved hundreds of lives,” Hodgens said.
Billy was an ambitious type of firefighter, according to Hodgens.
In 2017, Moon also served as Chief of the Islip Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island, where he was a member.
Moon is survived by his wife, Kristina, and their two children. Moon resided in Islip.
In a statement delivered by FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, his wife remarked, “Loving Billy was not only a marriage of families, but also a marriage to the fire department.” “His love and enthusiasm for his job stretched far beyond the firehouse. He instilled this similar passion in our children and often emphasized the importance of helping others. Billy will now be able to do Christmas miracles for others, and we are eternally thankful. Thank you.”
Moon was recalled by Kavanagh as a dedicated firefighter.
“Our hearts are torn for Firefighter Moon’s family and friends, as well as for the entire Department,” added Kavanagh. “He devoted his life to assisting others, both at the FDNY and as a volunteer Fire Chief on Long Island. Firefighting was in his blood, and he epitomized the Department’s energy and zeal. He was enthusiastic about organ donation, and just as he saved countless lives as a firefighter, he will continue to save lives after his death.”
»William P. Moon, who was critically hurt in a training fall, will perish: officials«