The FDNY's Chief of Fire Prevention has died from a September 11th-related cancer, the city fire department said Saturday.
Ronald Spadafora, 63, started out at Engine 237 in Brooklyn, and his career spanned 40 years in the fire department.
He was also an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College and the Metropolitan College of New York.
"Ron Spadafora was a consummate professional fire chief who bravely served our city for 40 years, and toiled for months at the World Trade Center site after September 11th," Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said in a statement. "He fought fires in all five boroughs, improved training for every FDNY member, and as the Chief of Fire Prevention for the last eight years, Ron's dedication and leadership led to greater safety and protection for millions of New Yorkers."
The city fire department says Spadafora is the 178th member of the FDNY to die of a 9/11-related illness.
Spadafora supervised the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero and became the World Trade Center Chief of Safety for the recovery operation, officials said.
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Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed his condolences, hailing Spadafora's courage and saying he saved countless lives.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.
Photo above of Spadafora via FDNY/Facebook.