FDNY Ambulance Mechanic Dies Of COVID-19

As New York City braces itself to have more people dying from COVID-19, the FDNY saw its first death over the weekend.

55-year-old James Villecco succumbed to the virus and passed away Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, through Pix 11.

Villecco, a resident of Staten Island, worked as an auto mechanic when he joined the Department's Bureau of Fleet Services in 2014. One of his main roles in the FDNY is keeping their ambulances in good running condition.

“This is the kind of man who keeps us safe because he kept the ambulances in good repair so they could get there to help us all,” said de Blasio.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro on the other hand recognized Villecco's contribution to the Department, saying that their team of mechanics are part and parcel of their enduring service to the City of New York.

“Behind the thousands of calls our members respond to every day is a team of dedicated skilled mechanics who ensure our ambulances are running 24/7,” said the New York Post, citing Nigro's statement.

Nigro also regarded Villecco as one of the “unsung heroes” of their Department, and that his “outstanding work provided medical care for the people of our city.”

Villecco was assigned to the Coney Island repair facility and was later transferred to the Review Avenue Facility. He was also a six-year veteran of the U.S. Army, said ABC 7.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, and daughter, Jessica.