Local electeds honor fallen firefighter with Senate resolution

In order to honor the life and sacrifice of fallen Firefighter Timothy Klein, State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato sponsored a resolution that will have Klein’s heroism recognized by New York State.

Firefighter Klein — a six-year veteran of the Fire Department — was a resident of the Rockaways, which is represented by both Addabbo and Pheffer Amato.

Klein and other FDNY units responded to a fire at Avenue N in Brooklyn on Sunday, April 24. While battling the blaze, a ceiling collapsed and critically injured Klein. He was later pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center.

“This resolution is a small way that we in the legislature can honor Firefighter Klein for laying down his life to protect others,” Addabbo said. “This is the risk that our first responders take every day they go to work. While these words cannot bring Firefighter Klein back, we hope that they can provide some comfort to his family, friends and colleagues in knowing that his sacrifice is recognized throughout New York State, and that we honor his memory.”

“This resolution to honor our fallen hero is a testament of our appreciation for his service,” Pheffer Amato added. “Our state owes a great deal of thanks to Firefighter Timothy Klein, and all first responders like him who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Timothy embodied bravery and was a true hero - his acts of heroism will not be forgotten.”

A copy of the resolution will be presented to the Klein family.

Senator Addabbo also thanked Governor Kathy Hochul for granting his request, and that of his constituents, to have the American flags at the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, be flown at half-mast in honor of Firefighter Klein.