Our condolences to the Tirado family and the Passaic Fire Department. Al Tirado, 40, an eight year veteran firefighter with the Passaic Fire Department lost his life during rescue operations above the fire floor in a three-story apartment building Wednesday, May 9, 2001.

     It is believed that he was trapped after the roof collapsed and he ran out of air. Several attempts were made by his brother firefighters to make the third floor and his rescue. They were pushed back twice, and his brothers were burned, before they could reach him. By then it was too late. The unsupervised children who had started the blaze cooking, and were reported as being trapped on the third floor, escaped before firefighters had arrived.

   

     Besides being a full-time firefighter, Al was a part-time postman and a member of the Marine Reserve.

     Our brother Al left a wife, Evelyn, and four children, Yanira, Angelina, Alberto, and Alex. Donations can be made to the:

Evelyn Tirado FMBA Assistance Fund c/o Banco Popular 122 8th Street Passaic, NJ 07055