After committing suicide with a gun belonging to his retired NYPD officer father, 23-year-old off-duty EMT John Mondello was found dead on Friday evening (Apr 24).
A self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head was seen when residents of the area discovered Mondello’s body by the shoreline off Shore Blvd. in Astoria, just a short distance from Astoria Park. Authorities confirm that the firearm used was registered to his father John Mondello, a retired cop.
Speaking on the young EMT, who just began his career with FDNY EMS in January, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro stated, “The loss of this young EMT who chose to bravely serve others is a tragedy for our entire department. We all mourn his loss and our prayers are with his family.”
Along with Nigro, EMS Chief Lillian Bonsignore broke the news to Mondello’s colleagues shortly after learning themselves on Friday.
Oren Barzilay, the president of Local EMS Union 2507, also shared, “We are saddened by the unfolding news of the passing of one of our heroic members during this pandemic. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family and our EMS family.”
