A known EMT worker with the New York City’s Fire Department has died from COVID-19. Gregory Hodge, who has been praised for his works in New York’s public service, was described as a “skilled first responder who provided outstanding emergency medical care”.
The 59-year-old worked as an employee of the FDNY for 24 years. He was part of a strategic team that took part in the critical rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks.
In a statement on Instagram, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, said that Hodge brought “professionalism” in executing his duties to thousands of New Yorkers.
“This pandemic has impacted our Department at every level, especially our EMS members who are responding to more medical calls than ever before. Now, they will continue to bravely answer those calls with even heavier hearts, having lost one of their fellow EMTs to COVID-19. Our entire Department mourns his loss,” Nigro said in the statement.
“A resident of Manhattan, EMT Hodge began his career assigned to Station 16 in Harlem. He later worked at Station 55 in the Bronx and then NYCEM. He was a beloved colleague at both FDNY and NYCEM,” the statement added.
The FDNY also took to its Twitter page to announce Hodge’s passing, prompting hundreds of condolences from the public to the family and FDNY.
Before his death, he was assigned as a watch commander at the city’s Emergency Management office, monitoring citywide radio frequencies, forecast and serving as part of the unit’s 24-hour emergency management operation.
