STATEMENT OF MAYOR ERIC ADAMS AND FIRE COMMISSIONER LAURA KAVANAGH ON LINE OF DUTY DEATH OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN FREDERICK D. WHITESIDE 

On November 19th, Mayor Eric Adams and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the line of duty death of Emergency Medical Technician Frederick D. Whiteside. Whiteside, a 22-year FDNY veteran, experienced a cardiac arrest while working at a New York City 911 Dispatch Center in the Bronx.  

“This is a heartbreaking loss for New York’s Bravest, and for our entire city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “EMT Whiteside spent his career helping those in need, saving lives of New Yorkers. We join the entire Fire Department and every New Yorker in mourning his loss, and pray for EMT Whiteside, his family, and his friends.”

“Our hearts are heavy over the loss of EMT Whiteside. With more than two decades of service to the FDNY, he was a dedicated public servant and front-line worker,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We are saddened by his sudden passing and join his family and friends in mourning his loss.” 

EMT Whiteside was appointed to the FDNY on April 19, 2002. He spent his career in the Bronx and in Brooklyn, working in EMS Division 2 and EMS Division 3. He had been working in EMS Dispatch since 2019, where he was currently assigned. 

EMT Whiteside, 43, was a Brooklyn resident. He is survived by his daughter, mother, and brother.