It was approximately 05:54am on January 17, 1991, when the City of Paterson Fire Department (NJ) responded to a structure fire at Underground II clothing store at 161 Main Street, which was formerly the Meyer Brothers Department Store. Due to strong winds, fire rapidly spread through the stores on that city block. Firefighter John A. Nicosia of Engine 4 entered the structure with his crew to begin hose advancement and fire suppression, but failed to exit with them when they were driven out by high heat and smoke.

According to the United States Fire Association, "the fire spread to a second building and there was a minor blow-out of windows and a large ball of fire".

When roll call and head count was taken after the evacuation it was determined that Firefighter Nicosia was missing. Crews immediately began searching for the missing firefighter and it wasn't until they found Firefighter Nicosia's body two days later in the basement of the initial structure.

Firefighter John Nicosia passed away from asphyxiation after being trapped in the basement.

The line of duty death brought important safety changes to the City of Paterson Fire Department such as the implementation of nylon hose lines, Nomex hoods, a name tag and a PASS device for all firefighters.

We Remember…

Firefighter John A. Nicosia, age 29, Paterson Fire Department