Obituary: John Kryger, retired FDNY, was a watchdog for fire safety in Rockland
John Kryger, an honored member of the FDNY, Rockland County volunteer and former Journal News/lohud.com sports and news reporter, died March 18, 2024, at 81.
Kryger was deputy fire coordinator for Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services, known as 44-Control, since 2004. His record of public service and fire prevention education stretched from his years with the FDNY through his journalism career and his active role advocating for strong fire safety and codes to protect the community.
David Kryger said his father used his breadth of experience in the fire service and journalism to provide the public with important information. "He gained the trust of fire chiefs, police chiefs and leaders in the emergency services field."
Fire safety first
Kryger, a Garnerville resident, had served with the FDNY from 1965 to 1986. He worked at engine and ladder companies in Brooklyn, Manhattan Staten Island and the Bronx. He also worked for the New York City Fire Department's Fire Service Division.
Kryger also served as a fire instructor at both the Rockland County and state level, and taught at the National Fire Academy.
He worked as a sports and public safety reporter for The Journal News from 1987 to 2004. Prior to that, he had served as sports editor at the Rockland County Times.
In 1997, Kryger and a team of reporters produced a series of stories about fire safety after a string of fatal blazes in Rockland. Called "Fire's Deadly Rage," the series won awards, including from the New York State Associated Press Association; Gannett, which owns The Journal News/lohud; and the Rockland County Fire Chiefs' Association.
"It was unbelievably hard-hitting," said Gordon Wren Jr., retired Rockland County fire coordinator. "When the stories were published, stores around the county sold out of smoke alarms within days."
Kryger was honored twice with the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company's Fire Mark Award for his journalistic contributions to fire prevention, in 1999 and 2002.
After 9/11 Kryger marshalled important and sensitive coverage of the fallen from Rockland and beyond.
Eye on Rockland
After his retirement from The Journal News, Kryger's dedication to fire prevention in Rockland continued.
An active member of the West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department, Kryger served with S.W. Johnson Fire Engine Company from 1974 to 1986 and then Volunteer Hose Co. 2 starting in 2002.
Kryger had served as chairman of the Rockland County Illegal Housing Task Force, which worked to enforce and strengthen fire safety and building codes.
He was a life member of the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, corresponding secretary, and a member of the board of directors; a member of the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association; an honorary member of the Rockland County Volunteer Fire Police Association; a member of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York; and a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.
He also served on the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board, and had served as chairman and vice-chairman.
He was active in his church, Trinity Episcopal in Garnerville.
Kryger described himself as "an original NY Mets fan since 1962" and was a New York Rangers fan. He enjoyed reading a book a week and walking for exercise.
Funeral information
John J. Kryger was born July 29, 1942 and raised in Staten Island.
Kryger earned his associate's degree in applied fire science from SUNY Rockland Community College, a bachelor's in public administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and pursued graduate studies in public administration at John Jay.
He married Susanne K. Smith in 1962. They moved to Rockland County in 1972.
He is survived by his sons, Steven, David and Andrew, and daughter Patricia Espinoza; four granddaughters and six grandsons.
A wake for Kryger will be held 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 21 and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona. A firematic service is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Fire Training Center.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 28 Chapel, Garnerville.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Obituary for John Kryger worked on New York building and fire safety
