Joe Herman was a devoted FDNY firefighter and athlete who recently passed away, find out more about him and his death below
Herman was known for his dedication both on the field and in his life-saving work, and his sudden death has left his community and teammates deeply saddened.
FDNY firefighter and lacrosse player Joe Herman: Cause of death reason, bio, age, family and wife
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Following the news about his tragic death, reports and tributes have come pouring in from all sources.
FDNY Firefighter Joe Herman Passes Away
New York City firefighter Joe Herman, who was a member of Ladder 111 in Brooklyn and a dual-sport athlete tragically passed away on September 1, 2025. The FDNY Lacrosse family shared the news about his tragic passing while highlighting the profound impact he had as a firefighter, father, and friend.
Herman represented the FDNY’s Bravest in football and lacrosse, and his sudden death comes as a shock and loss to many. The FDNY Lacrosse confirmed the news on their Instagram account while expressing deep sorrow for the loss of a beloved teammate and brother. He was known affectionately as “FF Joe Herman”, and his passing has left behind a significant void in the FDNY family.
Cause of death
According to various reports, Joe Herman died following a fatal motorcycle accident.
Tributes and Condolence Messages
Following the news about his death, tribute messages and condolences have come pouring in on social media. FDNY EMT Joseph Downey wrote:
“I’m absolutely crushed by the news of Firefighter Joe Herman’s passing. My heart breaks for his little girl and his family in such a devastating time. Fly high brother, we love you.”
One netizen shared:
“💔.. truly one of the best.”
Another user shared:
“This is absolutely heartbreaking ❤️🩹 praying for his loved ones! 🕊️ 🙏 😢.”
One netizen commented:
“❤️ RIP to a hell of a dude.”
Greg Shepherd, who is the CEO of Kultivated Hair Care, also posted a tribute saying:
“A Father. A Husband. A Son. A Brother. A Teammate. A Patriot. And a dam good Friend. #13.”
Joe Herman Biography
Joe Herman was a New York City firefighter who was born into a family with a strong public service background. His biological father, Jeff Herman, was an NYPD officer and was fatally shot in the line of duty when Joey was just three months old. He was later raised by his mother Irene and stepfather, Mike Heffernan, who was also a cop and athlete on the NYPD’s Finest football team. Joey embraced a life of service and athletic pursuit from an early age and even before his FDNY career, he played college football and lacrosse at Nassau Community College and NYIT.
Age and Height
Joe Herman was 36 years old at the time of his passing and stood at an approximate height of about 5 feet and 5 inches tall.
Education
Joe Herman attended Nassau Community College, where he was a two-time NJCAA All-American and earned a Second Team Division II All-American award.
Career
Joe Herman initially worked as an unskilled laborer until age 24 and then joined the New York City Fire Department. He served with for Engine 214 and Ladder 111, and was widely respected by peers and colleagues. Aside from firefighting, Joey was a dual-sport athlete for the FDNY’s Bravest teams, competing in both American football and lacrosse.
Wife and Children
Joe Herman was a devoted family man and father, and he had a daughter named Lacy. Despite his busy professional role, his close ones remembered him as a committed husband and father.
