Mayor Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Scoppetta Announce the Death of Firefighter Paul Warhola

Firefighter Paul Warhola

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced on Aug. 14 the death of Firefighter Paul Warhola. Firefighter Warhola, of Engine 221 in Brooklyn and a 15-year veteran of the FDNY, died at Bellevue Hospital. He was taken to the hospital on Aug. 12 after suffering an apparent stroke while answering a fire call. Firefighter Warhola was 47 years old.

“Firefighter Warhola was a devoted husband and father, as well as one of New York’s Bravest,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “This is a tragic reminder of the courage and commitment shown by the men and women of the FDNY, who put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe.”

“This is a terrible tragedy for the FDNY and the entire City of New York,” said Commissioner Scoppetta. “Firefighter Warhola was an honored and respected member of this department. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family.”

Early Wed., Aug. 12, Engine 221 responded to a fire alarm activation in an apartment building at 164 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Firefighter Warhola, who was driving the fire engine, checked for a working fire hydrant outside the structure while the other members of Engine 221 entered the building to investigate the alarm.

When they returned to the street, Firefighter Warhola was experiencing weakness, dizziness and difficulty breathing. The firefighters began providing medical treatment and transported him back to the firehouse.

While en route, Engine 221 contacted FDNY dispatchers and requested an EMS response to the firehouse, at 161 S. 2nd St. Upon arrival, FDNY paramedics evaluated Firefighter Warhola, recognized his symptoms as possibly stroke-related and transported him to Bellevue Hospital, which has a specialized unit for treating stroke victims.

Despite the treatment by hospital staff, Firefighter Warhola's condition continued to worsen, and he remained in critical condition at Bellevue until his death in the morning of Aug. 14.

Firefighter Warhola was appointed to the FDNY on Jan. 16, 1994, and spent his entire career working at Engine 221.

Firefighter Warhola, a resident of Eastport, NY, is survived by his wife, Arleen; a son, Paul, 15; and a daughter, Tiana, 13.

He is the 1,141st member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty.

Wake and Funeral Arrangements for Firefighter Paul Warhola