Local News

Brockton firefighter dies days after he went into cardiac arrest during a call

Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese had been hospitalized after his heart stopped during a Dec. 9 call.

Brockton firefighter Jeffrey Albanese died Dec. 21, 2024. He worked out of Station No. 4, where this bouquet was left. Pat Greenhouse/Boston Globe Staff

By Abby Patkin

December 23, 2024

1 minute to read

A Brockton firefighter died in the line of duty Saturday, days after he went into cardiac arrest while responding to a call, the city’s fire department announced.

Veteran firefighter Jeffrey Albanese had been hospitalized at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after his heart stopped during a Dec. 9 call, Brockton Fire Chief Brian F. Nardelli said in a press release Sunday.

Brockton firefighter Jeffrey Albanese. – Brockton Firefighters Local IAFF 144/Facebook

Albanese’s fellow firefighters and emergency medical personnel resuscitated him, according to Nardelli. Yet while Albanese “fought very hard” and received “incredible” care, he ultimately died just after 11 p.m. Saturday, the chief said.

“Firefighter Albanese fought a courageous battle with his family and brother and sister firefighters by his side,” Nardelli said. “Please keep the Albanese family and the members of Brockton Firefighters Local 144 in your thoughts and prayers.”

Albanese is survived by a wife and two children, the fire union said in a separate statement.

A 24-year veteran of the Brockton Fire Department, Albanese also represented Engine Company 4 as a union director and was a member of the Honor Guard, Brockton Firefighters Local 144 said.

Speaking to The Boston Globe, Nardelli said the firefighters who revived Albanese have struggled with guilt over not being able to save him, but their efforts allowed “Jeff to live so his wife could hold his hand for another two weeks.”

“His was a warm hand with a beating heart,” Nardelli told the Globe. “And that’s important.”

Photos from The Enterprise show the somber scene Sunday as Albanese’s body was transported to a Brockton funeral home. The firefighter’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters lined up to comfort each other and pay their respects.