Retired NYPD cop, 76, killed in Brooklyn apartment fire: officials

Tina Moore and

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Feb 28, 2023

A retired NYPD cop died in a fire that broke out inside his Brooklyn apartment building Monday, authorities said.

Joseph Newkirk, 76, was found unconscious inside the building on Union Street near Rochester Avenue in Crown Heights where the blaze broke out just before 2 p.m., police and fire officials said.

The septuagenarian, who retired from the department in 1979, was pronounced dead by first responders.

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Firefighters enter 1760 Union Street, where the fire broke out Monday afternoon. — Newkirk, who retired from the NYPD in 1979, was pronounced dead at the scene.Gregory P. Mango

A firefighter is seen in the window of 1760 Union Street, working at the scene of the Monday afternoon fire. — A dozen FDNY units, including 60 members, responded to the scene.Gregory P. Mango

Two residents look out the window as firefighters battle a blaze at 1760 Union Street. — The fire was placed under control in about 40 minutes.Gregory P. Mango

Debris seen outside 1760 Union Street, where a retired cop was killed in a Monday fire. — The cause of the fire remained under investigation Tuesday.Gregory P. Mango

The fire erupted on the third floor of the six-story building and was placed under control within about 40 minutes, the FDNY said.

A dozen FDNY units, including 60 fire and EMS members, responded to the scene.

No one else was hurt.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Tuesday morning.

Metro

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