Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker today announced the death of Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder, Jr. SFM Snyder, 53, of Yonkers, suffered a cardiac episode after working on Friday, August 9, 2024. He died Saturday, August 10, 2024.
“George Snyder, Jr. was a hero and guardian who put his life on the line for this city for over two decades as a firefighter and Supervising Fire marshal. It takes courage to put on that uniform, but George also found meaning and purpose in serving others — there is no higher calling than that,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our hearts break at this tragic loss, and our entire city grieves together with George’s family, friends, and colleagues. Today, we all stand side-by-side with the men and women of the FDNY and have them in our prayers during this darkest of hours.”
“This is the tragic loss of a man who chose a life of brave service to others, first working as a firefighter and promoted to fire marshal, then eventually to Supervising Fire Marshal. He recently took on the important role of heading up our Lithium-Ion Battery Task Force, bringing expertise and knowledge to the subject,” said Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. “Our entire Department mourns the passing of this heroic individual who dedicated himself to our city. Our thoughts are with his family, the fire marshals who worked closely with him, and our entire Department.”
SFM Snyder began his career with the FDNY in May 2002, first assigned to Engine 36 in Harlem, and then transferring to Engine 47 in Morningside Heights. SFM Snyder became a fire marshal in 2009 and was promoted to Supervising Fire Marshal in 2019. He was assigned to the Special Operations Command, where he headed up the Lithium-Ion Battery Task Force. His work there included investigating lithium-ion battery fires and partnering with other agencies in enforcement. SFM Snyder was cited five times for meritorious acts throughout his 22-year career.
SFM Snyder is the 1,161st member of the FDNY to die in the line-of-duty. He is survived by his mother, Roseanne Snyder, three sisters; Janet, Katrina, and Jeralyn; and a nephew, Brian. The last member of the Department to die in the line of duty was EMT Frederick D. Whiteside of PSAC2 in the Bronx, who died on November 17, 2023.
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