New York City Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze

November 23, 2008 8:30 a.m. EST

Staten Island, NY (AHN) - A New York City firefighter was killed battling a Staten Island blaze early Sunday morning.

Lt. Robert Ryan, 46, was stretching a hose to a burning attic in the two-story home when a ceiling collapsed on him, knocking off his helmet and oxygen mask. He was unconscious when his colleagues found him. He died at the hospital.

One resident was in the house at the time of the blaze, but escaped unharmed. The electrical fire was reported at around 12:30 a.m. and was brought under control about an hour later.

Ryan was a 17-year veteran of the fire department. He made lieutenant in March 2001.