Associated Press - April 21, 2012
Lt. Richard Nappi died after responding to a Brooklyn warehouse fire
A New York City fire lieutenant who died fighting a Brooklyn blaze is being laid to rest on Long Island.Lt. Richard Nappi, a 17-year veteran of the FDNY, collapsed Monday as his engine company attacked a hot, smoky fire at a burning warehouse. Authorities think he suffered heat exhaustion and a heart attack.
A funeral mass was being held Saturday morning at the Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Nappi lived in Farmingville. He was 47, and had a wife and two children.
Nappi was the first city firefighter to die in the line of duty in three years. He also was a 9/11 responder.
Before joining the FDNY, Nappi was a parole officer and a case worker for Suffolk County's Department of Social Services.
In addition to his work with the FDNY, Nappi also served as a volunteer firefighter and deputy chief instructor with the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank.
A scholarship fund has been set up for Nappi's two children at the request of Engine 237. Donations may be made to:
FDNY Foundation
Lieutenant Richard A. Nappi Children's Education Fund
9 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11201
All donations are tax deductible and 100 percent of all donations will go the fund, FDNY press officials said.
