Freddie passed away this morning in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family, after a long and courageous battle with 9/11 related cancer.

Freddie lived and breathed the fire service, from joining the department in March of 1998. He rose up the ranks in the department from Asst. Engineer all the way to Chief of Department from 2014-2016. Freddie’s love for firefighting did not stop there. He was appointed to the FDNY on July 15th, 2001. Starting out his career at Ladder Co. 58 in the Bronx, then promoted to Lieutenant of Ladder Co. 40 in Harlem, and most recently returned to his original house as Captain of 58 Truck. He was a NYS Fire Instructor with the Rockland County Fire Training Center, member of the Orangetown Fire Chiefs Council, and proudly served as Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator since 2016, currently appointed as 44-3.

Freddie lived a life putting others before himself - a role model, a mentor, and a friend to everyone he crossed paths with. One small example of this was clearly shown in his meticulous way of organizing the Orangetown Chief’s Golf Outing for the past 9 years…months of planning all for a 1 day event for the sole purpose to raise money for families in need. Spending time with the younger members after drill, cracking jokes, sharing stories, and giving them a ride back home just so they can stay for a few more minutes. This is the Freddie we will always honor and remember.

Rest easy brother, we will take it from here.

We ask that you all keep the Simms Family in your thought and prayers during this time.

Details to services will be announced once available.