NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 32-year EMS veteran died at the age of 52 on Tuesday after suffering from a World Trade Center-related cancer after the 9/11 attacks, FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro announced.
Alvin Suriel became the 264th member of the FDNY to die of a WTC-illness after he served as the first Hispanic assistant chief of EMS operations, a role he was appointed to in May 2019.
Suriel began his career in 1989 as an EMT in Harlem. He completed paramedic training in 1993 and was assigned to Stations 14 and 26 before becoming a paramedic coordinator for the Bronx.
"Al Suriel spent three decades providing pre-hospital emergency medical care throughout our city. He saved an untold number of lives in his time as an EMT and Paramedic, and through his inspirational leadership in our bureau of EMS," Nigro said.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Suriel responded from the EMS Academy at Fort Totten with a convoy of FDNY EMS members to the World Trade Center, where he spent many days working on rescue and recovery efforts.
"He was there for New Yorkers on Sept. 11, he was instrumental in our department’s extraordinary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he administered outstanding care to every single patient who ever called for his help. His dedication to duty was immeasurable and his loss is a painful blow to our entire department," Nigo added.
After he was promoted to lieutenant in 2005, Suriel served as the citywide paramedic coordinator for EMS operations. He continued to move up through the ranks, being promoted to captain in 2010, deputy chief in 2013, division commander of the Bronx in 2015 and deputy assistant chief of EMS Operations in 2017.
As assistant chief, Suriel assisted in the supervision of 4,600 EMTs, paramedics, EMS officers and civilian employees as he oversaw operations, planning, strategic initiatives, and logistics in the Bureau of EMS.
Working closely with the department's Counseling Services Unit, he led the way in developing the largest active member peer support group in the nation to address the mental health needs of the FDNY EMS workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suriel is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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