Eight decades after a New York City firefighter's death, his family says the Fire Department needs to finally acknowledge his sacrifice — and they're ready to take their case to court.
Firefighter Thomas O'Brien responded to a two-alarm blaze on W. 26th St. in October 1935. He returned to Engine Company 3, and was found dead in his bed at the W. 17th St. firehouse hours later. He was 48.
His family believes he suffered a life-ending head injury in the line of duty. But the Fire Department doesn't see it that way, and won't consider his death to be job related.
O’Brien’s heirs filed a notice of claim with the city last week, with the intention to sue and reverse the FDNY's decision. .