FDNY Captain James F. McDonnell died from the injuries he received on October 11, 1985, operating at a fire at 634 Prospect Avenue. Assigned to the 3rd Division, he was detailed to Ladder 42 for the day tour. The fire was on the fourth floor.

While operating on the fourth floor, Captain McDonnell sensed the ceiling was about to collapse. He pushed two of his men into the hallway but the burning ceiling came down on him, trapping him. Before he could be pulled out sixty-five percent of his body was burned. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on October 20, 1985.

Commissioner Spinnato said Captain McDonnell had been in the Department for 20 years and was promoted from lieutenant in August 1984.

He lived in Mahopac in Putnam County. He was survived by his wife, Patricia, and two sons, Gregory, 10, and James, 14.