Girlfriend of recently deceased FDNY firefighter writes touching letter to say goodbye

Steven Pollard's girlfriend posted a heartbreaking tribute to the fallen hero.

The death of firefighter Steven Pollard in a senseless accident during a rescue shocked New York City and shattered the hearts of his nearest and dearest.

Facing the prospect of life without her beloved, Brianna Torkel posted a touching tribute to Pollard in which she opened up about their relationship and her grief.

“My sweet angel I am so proud of you. You left this world a hero, something you were born to be.”

Brianna Torkel

A LOVE CUT SHORT BY TRAGEDY

Even though Torkel and Pollard were not married, she is referred to in his obituary as his “cherished love.”

Torkel spoke of Pollard as her protector and her best friend, and expressed her gratitude at having shared his love and his life. She posted moving photos of the two of them together in happy moments, and a snap of the hero in his uniform.

In the aftermath of the accident on January 6, 2019, New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, ordered the City's flags flown at half-mast.

A NEW GUARDIAN ANGEL

Torkel said that she has sadly acquired a new guardian angel, and asked Pollard to watch over his family, his colleagues and to stay close to her. The young woman was seen weeping inconsolably at Pollard's wake alongside his mother Janet.

MOURNING A HERO

In the aftermath of the accident on January 6, 2019, New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, ordered the City's flags flown at half-mast.

Steven Pollard will be laid to rest with full honors on the morning of January 11, 2019.

R.I.P.

Read more about the FDNY on Twitter Amomama USA.

FIREFIGHTER FELL TO HIS DEATH DURING RESCUE

On January 6, 2019, the FDNY was called to the scene of a car crash on the Belt Parkway's overpass bridge.

Among the first responders was 30-year old Steven Pollard. Pollard ran towards the vehicles involved in the crash on the opposite side of the overpass, and the unthinkable happened.

“I just heard, ‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God! [A] firefighter fell, he fell through, he fell through.’”

Travis Simms

Pollard leaped over the Jersey barriers and fell through the space between the eastbound and westbound lanes on the overpass. He fell to his death on the ground, 52 feet below the bridge.

Pollard had been unaware that on the other side of the barrier was a 3-foot gap, opening over a deadly fall.

The Belt Parkway's overpass bridge is still under construction, and the Department of Transportation is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.