Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today joined the members of the New York City Fire Department in mourning the death of Firefighter Christian Philip Engeldrum of Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx.  Engeldrum, a 5 1/2–year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and a Sergeant in the Army National Guard, was killed on Monday while on active military duty in Iraq.  Preliminary reports state that Firefighter Engeldrum was killed when the vehicle he was riding in came under attack outside of Baghdad. The exact details surrounding the incident have not been released by the Department of Defense.  He is the first City employee to die in Iraq.

“Christian Engeldrum spent his life protecting the people of this City and protecting democracy,” said Mayor Bloomberg.   “As a Firefighter, a Police Officer and a decorated member of our military, there was no risk he wasn’t willing to take for his fellow New Yorkers and his fellow Americans.  Christian honored us with his life and commitment to public service. I join all New Yorkers in mourning his loss and pray that his family finds comfort in the innumerable ways he touched so many lives.”  

“My deepest condolences go out to the Engeldrum Family at this tremendous loss,” said Commissioner Scoppetta. “Christian served his country well in the armed services, as a police officer and firefighter. His commitment to serving his country sets the example for all of us. He will be greatly missed by this Department and by all who had the honor of knowing him.”

Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Scoppetta also joined members in wishing for the speedy recovery of Firefighter Daniel J. Swift of Ladder Company 43 in Manhattan – who was riding in the same vehicle with Firefighter Engeldrum. Firefighter Swift sustained shrapnel wounds and has been transported to Germany for medical treatment. He is expected to fully recover.

Engeldrum, 39, began his career in with the City of New York as a New York City Police Officer assigned to the 47th Precinct.  After successfully completing the New York City Fire Academy in 1999, he was assigned to Engine Company 89 in the Bronx.  Firefighter Engeldrum also served in Engine Company 58 in Manhattan and was most recently assigned to Ladder Company 61 in the Bronx.  Engeldrum received one FDNY unit citation on July 15, 2000, as a result of his company’s successful rescue of two civilians at a fire.  

As an active member of the U.S. Army from 1986-1991, Christian served in Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and received many awards for his service to his country, including Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Sharpshooter Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon. 

A resident of the Bronx, Christian Engeldrum is survived by his wife Sharon and their two sons.

Funeral arrangements are pending.