YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. —Yorktown is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter whose spirit and dedication to service left a lasting mark on the community.
John “Jackie” Sullivan, a Navy veteran and 36-year volunteer firefighter serving both Spring Valley and Yorktown, died on Wednesday, July 9, at 67, the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department announced.
Before his volunteer service, Sullivan spent 12 years as a Navy flight engineer and then built a 31-year career with New York City Emergency Medical Services, retiring in 2017 at the rank of Deputy Chief at FDNY EMS.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Sullivan rushed to the World Trade Center to assist in rescue efforts, avoiding falling debris by diving under a truck as the second tower collapsed in front of him.
Sullivan was remembered not only for his bravery in the line of duty, but also for his kindness, humor, and humility, according to his obituary and online tributes.
In a Facebook post, the department said Sullivan was “many things to a lot of people including a husband, father, flight engineer, firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, FDNY EMS Deputy Chief, and most importantly, a friend you never walked away from without a smile on your face or a story to tell.”
During the July 15 Town Board meeting, Supervisor Ed Lachterman led a moment of silence to honor recent community losses, including the passing of Sullivan. Councilman Sergio Esposito said Sullivan was “a very good friend” of his, and acknowledged his many years of service.
“Just a great guy, a lot of fun, alway happy to see him, shocked that he’s not around,” Esposito said.
Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Sullivan met his wife, Denise, a nurse practitioner, in 1983 while volunteering as an EMT. The couple, who according to his obituary, “were a love match and a professional match,” married in 1988 and share twin daughters.
“They bonded over car accidents and grizzly tragedies, often swapping hair-raising stories with their relatives during dinners–usually featuring tomato sauce,” his obituary said. “Jack shared his love of the Yankees with his daughters, and he tolerated that his wife was a Mets fan.”
Sullivan’s humor was contagious, according to his obituary, but when it came to his work, he was serious and dedicated. His career was marked by heroism. Sullivan and his longtime partner were the first EMS unit on site at the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
Eight years later, he “took it personally when the towers were attacked again” and he served for a full year at Ground Zero after the tragedy, “searching for and recovering fallen firefighters and other victims. He served every victim with an honor walk to waiting transports, knowing families would soon be relieved to know their unaccounted-for loved ones would be given a dignified final resting place.”
Known to many as “Cardiac Jack” for how often he performed CPR, Sullivan was also a union leader for the FDNY, mentor, and a “legendary Irish storyteller” who could “mimic millions.”
He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughters Katie and Maggie, and a large extended family. The fire department encouraged the wider Yorktown community to keep Sullivan’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
“Jackie Sullivan brought humor and bravery to every situation he encountered, whether it be a family get-together, a firehouse ceremony or fire call, a military maneuver, a union event, or a major disaster,” his obituary said. “His countless friends and loving family will remember him with laughter, knowing it was their honor to have Jack Sullivan in their lives if only for way too short a time.”
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