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Lt. Robert Ryan was killed when the ceiling of a New Brighton home collapsed as he was battling the blaze at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

Officials say Ryan was trying to stretch a hose to the attic when the collapse occurred. When a portion of the ceiling crashed down on his head, officials believe the force knocked him unconscious and tore off his helmet and breathing mask.

Other firefighters rushed to his aid but he was already in cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead a short time later at Richmond University Medical Center.

"He was a brave man who lost his life protecting this city," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg at news conference at the hospital Sunday morning. "And as we go into the holiday season we need to remember those who sacrifice so much for all of the rest of us."

"After September 11th, Bobby was assigned to Six Engine, which had lost its whole crew on September 11th," said Salvatore Cassano, the FDNY's Chief of Department. "He helped rebuild that firehouse and worked with the families of Six Engine who had lost four firefighters on September 11th. So Bob was extremely dedicated."

Several years ago he was so badly burned in a fire that his injuries to a full year to heal – but he still returned to the department.

The 46-year-old, with two children and two step-children, was a 17-year FDNY veteran. On Sunday the flag was lowered to half staff and bunting was placed outside the quarters of Ryan's Engine 155 Ladder 78 in Tompkinsville.

Officials say the blaze, at 39 Van Buren Street, may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring. It was brought under control about an hour after it started.