One of the officers who was critically hurt in a Coney Island fire has died, law enforcement sources tell 1010 WINS. NYPD Housing Officer Dennis Guerra, a 38-year-old married father of four, died shortly before 7 a.m. at Montifiore Hospital, sources said. His colleague, 36-year-old Rosa Rodriguez, is at the burn unit Weill Cornell Medical Center. Rodriguez is a single mother of four kids and a four-year veteran of the NYPD Housing Bureau.
Both officers were hurt Sunday when they were overcome by smoke and carbon monoxide while responding to a suspicious fire at a residential high-rise on Surf Avenue. They were hit by a wall of smoke when they reached the 13th floor by elevator.
On radio transmissions, the officers could be heard gasping for air.
Guerra: “Can’t breathe, can’t breathe.”
Dispatch: “He can’t breathe. He’s on the 14th floor. They’re on the 14th floor. They can’t breathe.”
Guerra: “Thirteen!”
Dispatch: “OK, 13th floor.
The FDNY was just minutes behind them. Bratton said firefighters found the officers “unconscious and unresponsive” in the hallway.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Marcell Dockery, who lives in the building, has been charged with arson, assault and reckless endangerment.
Police said he confessed to starting the fire by lighting a mattress in the hallway of the 13th floor because he was bored.
2 Responses
Rest in Peace Officer Guerra
Dennis, RIP….
…and to the PUNK who was bored, you have many NOT SO BORING years ahead of you