Our condolences to the Brick family and the Fire Department of New York City. FireFighter Thomas Brick, 30, a 2 year veteran of FDNY Ladder Company 36 died Tuesday December 16, 2003. Thomas was performing search and rescue at a four alarm mattress and furniture warehouse fire in Inwood when he became seperated. He was badly burned and in cardiac arrest when his brothers pulled him from the building. He was rushed to New York Presbyterian Medical Center where doctors were unable to resuscitate him. Three other firefighters were injured in the blaze.

     Thomas was a member of the first graduating class after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This past year, Thomas and other members of Ladder 36 received the Thomas R. Elsasser Memorial Medal for rescuing two occupants in a five-story multiple dwelling on 187th Street in Manhattan.

     Our brother Thomas leaves behind his daughter Madeline, 4, and his son Aden, 3. A wake will be held for Thomas on Thursday December 18, 2003 2-5PM and 7-10PM and Friday December 19, 2003 2-5PM and 7-10PM at Harden Funeral Home, 208-17 Northern Boulevard in Bayside (Queens). A funeral mass will be held for Thomas on Saturday December 20, 2003 11AM at Saint Kevin’s Roman Catholic Church, 194th Street and 45th Avenue in Flushing (Queens) followed by a burial at Saint Patrick's Cemetery, 45 Huntington Road in Huntington. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Thomas Elasser Fund which supports the families of active FDNY members who die in non-line of duty incidents.