USFA LODD: New Jersey Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 04.22.2020

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Assistant Chief Ronnie Cordero, 61, drove the fire department apparatus to a service call at a residence.  During that call, the crew came in close contact with the homeowner who stated that his son tested positive for COVID-19.  He also stated that he had just returned from the hospital with COVID-19 related symptoms.  The following day, the homeowner was transported by EMS to the hospital where he tested positive for the virus.  Some of the EMS and fire personnel that Assistant Chief Cordero came in close contact with during this call and other responses were then tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies.  Assistant Chief Ronnie Cordero was hospitalized on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, from the disease.

  

Our condolences to Cordero Family & Friends, Little Falls Fire Department, and to all affected by Assistant Chief Ronnie Cordero's passing.

   

To date, 41 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2020. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.