Robert Neary, 60, and Daniel Sweeney, 25 ,died in the line of duty while fighting a vacant warehouse fire on April 9. Two other Local 22 fire fighters – Francis Chaney and Pat Nally – were injured in the same fire and are being treated at a local hospital.

The 5-alarm fire broke out about 3:15 a.m. in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. Reports indicate that wind fueled the blaze, causing it to spread to a nearby furniture store and to damage several area homes.

Neary, Sweeney, Chaney and Nally were inside the furniture store when part of the warehouse collapsed on top of the furniture store, trapping fire fighters inside. Fire fighters were able to rescue Chaney and Nally, but could not reach Neary and Sweeney in time.The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Neary, a 38-year veteran, was a well-respected fire fighter who had been awarded four unit citations in his career. He leaves behind his wife and their three children.

Sweeney followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the department in 2006. During his six years as a fire fighter, he was awarded two unit citations. He is survived by his parents.

The CPFF's thoughts and prayers go to their families and the members of Local 22.