Derek Floyd, a former FDNY firefighter who had been fired as part of budget cuts to make way for migrant spending in New York City, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 36. He had been working in the Fire Department chaplain’s office on modified duty after suffering a heart attack in 2019. Despite his years of service and dedication to the department, he was let go just before Christmas along with about 10 other employees who were on long-term duty. This left his grieving widow Cristine and their two young children struggling to make ends meet.
Floyd, a veteran who served three tours in the Middle East with the Marines, was trying to become medically cleared to return to the fire-fighting force before his termination. His firing meant that he was just short of vesting additional medical benefits for his family and over $600,000 worth of death benefits. This left the family in a precarious financial situation, with Cristine swimming in debt and struggling to support their kids. Despite the challenges they faced, Derek remained positive and tried to stay optimistic about the situation.
After being let go from the FDNY, Floyd found a job with a non-profit organization that helps veterans, but the pay was significantly lower, the benefits were limited, and the hours were not conducive to spending time with his family. Cristine described Derek as a family-oriented person who was passionate about being a firefighter. His termination not only affected their financial stability but also impacted his ability to be present for his children. If he had remained with the FDNY, he would have had a life insurance policy that could have provided some financial relief for his family.
The budget cuts that led to Floyd’s firing were part of a larger effort by City Hall to slash funds from various departments, including the FDNY, NYPD, Department of Education, and Department of Sanitation. These cuts were intended to make way for spending on services for migrants in the city. The termination of Derek Floyd, along with other measures taken to reduce staff and resources within the FDNY, have faced criticism from those who believe that essential personnel should not have been let go in favor of cost-saving measures.
Uniformed Firefighter Association President Andrew Ansbro expressed outrage over Floyd’s termination, stating that the FDNY was already understaffed, and Floyd’s role in the chaplain’s office was crucial. He believed that Floyd deserved better treatment and that his firing was unnecessary. Despite the backlash, neither the FDNY nor the city responded to requests for comment on the situation. Donations to help the Floyd family can be made to the New York Firefighters Foundation, with the funds directed to support Cristine and her children in their time of need.
The loss of Derek Floyd has had a profound impact on his family, who are now left struggling to cope with his untimely death and the financial implications of his firing. Cristine shared that watching her husband navigate the challenges of unemployment and trying to support the family while being present for their children was the most difficult part of their experience. The circumstances surrounding Floyd’s firing and subsequent passing have sparked outrage and highlighted the consequences of budget cuts on essential services and personnel. Despite the challenges they face, the Floyd family remains resilient, and support from the community has been extended to help them in their time of need.