Published February 1, 2021 • Updated on February 1, 2021 at 1:30 am The New York City Fire Department on Sunday announced the death of its first active member who has died from COVID-19 complications. Joseph Ferrugia was a 30-year veteran of the FDNY and he was assigned to Ladder Company 142 in Queens, according to the department. Ferrugia was among the first responders who helped save lives at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 attacks. He was 61. While Ferrugia was the first active FDNY member to die from the coronavirus, 12 other members of the department have died from the disease caused by the virus, said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.