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.

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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.

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Zimpfer’s father, Wally Zimpfer, was the long-time Supervisor of Campus Operations at Saucon Valley School District, before retiring several years ago.

A fund has been established to assist the victims of Sunday’s tragedy by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

“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.”