FDNY firefighter from Floral Park killed in Harlem fire

<p>An FDNY firefighter from Floral Park died late Thursday night while battling a fire on a movie set in Harlem.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 23, 2018, 9:12 AM

Updated 2,240 days ago

Share:

FDNY firefighter from Floral Park killed in Harlem fire
An FDNY firefighter from Floral Park died late Thursday night while battling a fire at a Harlem building where a movie was being filmed.
Fire officials say Michael Davidson, a 15-year veteran of the FDNY and a married father of four, was on the front line of a five-alarm fire, which broke out in the building's basement around 11 p.m.
Officials say firefighters were in the building’s cellar when they got an order to retreat. They say Davidson then became separated from his unit. Reports say firefighters desperately searched for him, and when he was found, he was unconscious from severe smoke inhalation.
He was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro says the department is in mourning over the loss of a “very brave firefighter, one who has firefighting in his blood.”
"He comes from a family of firefighters. His dad is retired. He worked in the same firehouse that Michael did. His brother, Eric, works in Engine 88 in the Bronx," says Nigro.
His neighbor Tony Montanaro says he last saw Davidson during the most recent nor’easter. He was helping neighbors on the block dig out.
"He was never-ending, just always a giving kind of guy," said Montanaro.
The fire was reported by the crew of the movie “Motherless Brooklyn” which stars Edward Norton, Bruce Willis and Alec Baldwin. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city lost a hero.
The FDNY has already donated $25,000 to Davidson's family. Donations in his honor can be made to the Firefighter Michael Davidson’s Children’s Educational Fund or by calling 718-999-0779. A GoFundMe page has also been created to raise funds for Davidson's family.


More from News 12
1:22
15-year-old boy recovering after being stabbed at Mount Vernon HS

15-year-old boy recovering after being stabbed at Mount Vernon HS

2:20
Spotty showers for Mother's Day weekend in Hudson Valley before sun returns early next week

Spotty showers for Mother's Day weekend in Hudson Valley before sun returns early next week

Garnerville man accused of killing teen in hit-and-run offered 1 to 3 years in prison: Rockland County DA

Garnerville man accused of killing teen in hit-and-run offered 1 to 3 years in prison: Rockland County DA

0:20
$33M in funding being allocated to Dutchess, Ulster and Rockland counties to create new transitional, emergency housing

$33M in funding being allocated to Dutchess, Ulster and Rockland counties to create new transitional, emergency housing

1:02
Headlines: Man faces child endangerment charges, fatal accident, victim ID’d in fatal fire

Headlines: Man faces child endangerment charges, fatal accident, victim ID’d in fatal fire

0:24
Day-old abandoned kittens found in milk carton in need of foster homes

Day-old abandoned kittens found in milk carton in need of foster homes

0:27
Yonkers City Council votes to extend red light camera program for another 5 years

Yonkers City Council votes to extend red light camera program for another 5 years

1:28
Suffern mom shows kids 'it's never too late' after completing her doctorate

Suffern mom shows kids 'it's never too late' after completing her doctorate

0:20
Jet Blue to fly to Puerto Rico from Westchester County Airport come fall

Jet Blue to fly to Puerto Rico from Westchester County Airport come fall

0:17
Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

0:51
Group of state lawmakers propose legislation to protect sexual assault victims

Group of state lawmakers propose legislation to protect sexual assault victims

0:56
First adult-use cannabis shop opens its doors in Yonkers

First adult-use cannabis shop opens its doors in Yonkers

1:44
‘He never left the garage alive.’ Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial resumes with police testimony

‘He never left the garage alive.’ Town of Wallkill murder-for-hire trial resumes with police testimony

0:28
Wake services held in Westchester County for police officer who died in off-duty accident

Wake services held in Westchester County for police officer who died in off-duty accident

0:28
'Pat's Place' offers safe haven for unhoused youth in Dutchess County

'Pat's Place' offers safe haven for unhoused youth in Dutchess County

1:30
Former discount shopping hotspot Playtog's Plaza to be reinvented

Former discount shopping hotspot Playtog's Plaza to be reinvented

2:08
Ossining HS students welcome home inmate who they say changed their lives

Ossining HS students welcome home inmate who they say changed their lives

2:39
VOTE 2024: Bowman makes case to defend 16th Congressional District seat

VOTE 2024: Bowman makes case to defend 16th Congressional District seat

0:36
14-year-old rising superstar from Warwick sings national anthem at Yankee Stadium

14-year-old rising superstar from Warwick sings national anthem at Yankee Stadium