Hundreds Of FDNY Members Lined Streets In Westerleigh, To Honor Fallen Staten Island Firefighter Lieutenant Joseph Maiello

Funeral services were held yesterday at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Westerleigh for 22 year veteran firefighter Lt. Joseph Maiello.

At the service, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said, “Lt. Joseph Maiello was a veteran member of our department, leader and a friend to so many on this job. He was beloved here on Staten Island with deep roots in his community through his family and his courageous service to others. He died while on duty this week, bravely serving his city, as he has done for more than two decades.”

“Much was asked of Joseph Maiello in his outstanding career as a New York City Firefighter. As a young member of the Department on September 11th, he responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center and for years to come he courageously fought fires and protected residents in Brooklyn. As a veteran member 20 years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant and led his fellow Firefighters to fires and emergencies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Nigro in a statement. “The entire Department mourns the loss of this brave Lieutenant who dedicated his life to serving and saving others.”

“Our sincerest condolences and sympathies are extended to his loved ones during this heartbreaking time, just one day after the Christmas holiday. Joe was beloved by his fellow firefighters and fire officers . . . and was known as a true leader.” said James McCarthy, the president of the FDNY-Uniformed Fire Officers Association.

According to the FDNY’s statement, Lt. Maiello was appointed to the FDNY in August 1999 and was first assigned to Ladder Company 148 in Borough Park, Brooklyn. On September 11th, 2001, then Firefighter Maiello responded to the World Trade Center and survived the collapse of the North Tower. He then took part in the months long World Trade Center rescue and recovery effort. In February 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Battalion 23 on Staten Island. He was most recently assigned to Ladder Company 83 on Staten Island, where he was serving at the time of his death.

Lt Maiello is the 1,155th member of the FDNY to die in the line-of-duty. A resident of Staten Island, he is survived by his wife, Irene, and their two children, ages 16 and 14. The last member of the Department to die in the line of duty was Probationary Firefighter Vincent Malveaux, who died on December 3, 2021.