Salih Abdur-Rahman

Paramedic and United States Marine Corps veteran Salih Abdur-Rahman passed away on October 29, 2025, due to a fatal cardiac event following his shift at the New York City Fire Department Training Academy on Randall’s Island. He was a respected mentor and community leader who was known for his compassion and commitment to helping others. He was a dedicated member of the FDNY for 23 years. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.  

Abdur-Rahman joined the FDNY Emergency Medical Services in October 2002 and was assigned to Manhattan Division 1. He then worked at stations throughout the borough, including EMS Station 8 in Kips Bay, Station 16 in Harlem and Station 13 in Washington Heights, where he served for nine years. Following a promotion to Paramedic in 2021, he worked out of both Station 8 and Station 4 in lower Manhattan. He was assigned to the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island at the time of his line-of-duty death. He was known for his humility, professionalism, and kindness.  

He lived a life of service, answering the call, helping people in their most desperate, vulnerable moments. For more than two decades, he was a calm voice, a steady hand, and a reassuring presence when New Yorkers needed it most. He was a composed and unflinching presence – a natural born leader who led by example. His positive attitude and altruistic manner earned the respect of the EMT’S and Paramedics he worked alongside and mentored throughout his career. He truly embodied the brotherhood, sisterhood, and family that defines the FDNY. His effective leadership came from how he carried himself, in both his professional and personal life. He was known for his courage, benevolence, and generosity. He was a standard-bearer who loved helping the people of his city. His influence extended far beyond his formal responsibilities and life-saving skills, reflected in the many people whose lives he touched through his genuine care and guidance.  

Abdur-Rahman was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving two of his five years in Japan. He was deeply proud to serve both his country and his city. He impacted the lives of many EMTs and Paramedics, and the numerous people whose lives he saved. 

Abdur-Rahman was also a respected mentor and advocate for youth in his community. A longtime supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he believed in helping young people develop confidence, integrity, preparedness, responsibility, and a spirit of service. He encouraged those around him to recognize their full potential and become empathetic, capable members of their communities. His legacy lives on through the people he cared for, the colleagues he guided, the youth he encouraged, and the example of goodwill and humanity he set. 

Paramedic Salih Abdur-Rahman is survived by his loving wife, Nura, their three daughters: Inaya, Iman, and Ihsan, his parents, eight siblings, and many adoring family members, colleagues and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Abdur-Rahman home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.