Elizabeth Man Charged In Crash That Killed NY Firefighter

 A New York City firefighter who worked at the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is dead after being struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver in Union Township

Authorities say John Monteverde of Queens was on his way to work early Friday when his motorcycle was hit by a car  He had been a firefighter for more than 30 years.

New York Fire Department Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said the 56-year-old Monteverde had been cited four times for bravery as a member of Engine Company 22 in Manhattan.

The driver of the car, 24-year-old Anthony Marsal of Elizabeth, was charged with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated.

Police say the accident occurred just after 5 a.m and that Monteverde was wearing a reflective vest.

Bail for Marsal was set at $100,000. Prosecutors didn't know if he had retained a lawyer yet.

Authorities believe the firefighter was en route from a friend's house in East Stroudsburg, Pa. They say he was reporting for duty on Staten Island.

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