A hero taken by flames

Because Michael Davidson had the commitment and courage to serve as a New York City firefighter — like his father, like his brother — Harlem could sleep safely at night and flourish by day. Because it was Davidson’s duty as a member of Engine Company 69 to run to danger, he met his end there, at age 37, leading a hose nozzle into the basement of a St. Nicholas Ave. building consumed with fire Thursday night.

After 15 years, after four citations honoring his bravery and service, a hero is gone.

Grief floods the void left behind by Davidson, who in turn leaves behind his wife, Eileen, and their four children, the oldest just 7, the youngest just 1. Four children, suddenly fatherless.

With them and kin, with their community of Floral Park on Long Island, and with the great family of the FDNY, the people of New York pray and weep and give our deepest thanks.

Davidson is the 1,150th firefighter to have died in the line of duty. His death comes even as mourning continues for his FDNY brothers Christopher Raguso and Christopher Zanetis, killed last week in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

While the department grieves, it investigates the Harlem blaze, which consumed a set for the movie adaptation of the book “Motherless Brooklyn.” A thorough review of the scene must determine whether the film shoot’s demands on a century-old building might have played a role.

Find the facts. First, cry for Michael Davidson.