FDNY Firefighter From Hellertown Part of Heroic Bronx Fire Rescue
A Hellertown native and veteran New York City firefighter participated in the rescue of occupants during a high-rise fire in the Bronx Sunday.
Matthew “Matt” Zimpfer was seen in photos of the rescue that took place in a 19-story apartment building at 333 E. 181st Street in the Bronx’s Tremont neighborhood.
Officials say the fire claimed at least 19 lives–nine of which were reportedly children’s–and are calling the conflagration the deadliest in New York City in more than 30 years.
.@NYCMayor is briefed by @FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro at the scene of the 5-alarm fire at 333 East 181 Street in the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/wFHI6Srpoh
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) January 9, 2022
According to a 2019 Twitter post by the FDNY, Zimpfer is part of the department’s Engine 46 Ladder 27, which is located in the Bronx. The company is located off the Cross Bronx Expressway, a little less than a mile south of where Sunday’s fire occurred.
#FDNY Firefighters Matt Zimpfer and John Roche, Ladder 27, and Firefighter Greg Dicembri, Ladder 17, drape purple and black bunting on the exterior of #Engine46 and #Ladder27 where Firefighter Christopher Slutman served. Read more: https://t.co/GCzA3RIHmn pic.twitter.com/ePraSfs3AC
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 9, 2019
Zimpfer’s father, Wally Zimpfer, was the long-time Supervisor of Campus Operations at Saucon Valley School District, before retiring several years ago.
“Your cash donation will enable the distribution of emergency relief supplies and provide support for the victims and their families,” the donation page states. “Your entire donation will go towards helping those impacted by the fire.”
