Tribute to Papa Joe Ezzo
Tragic events of August 25th 1982
On August 25, 1982 Papa Joe Ezzo died in the line of duty serving his community. The Riverdale Fire Department and the Borough of Riverdale lost a dedicated citizen and a good firefighter.
To the left is a picture of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Click on the link below to go Pappa Joe's tribute on their website.
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National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Details about August 25, 1982
It was a Wednesday in August 1982. Just 4 days after the Riverdale Fire Department celebrated it's 75th anniversary by hosing a parade. The alarm came in at xx:xx for the report of a structure fire. Papa Joe responded alone in the fire department tanker. Just as he left the firehouse and crossed over the railroad tracks he knew something was wrong. He was able to pull the tanker off to the side of the road just before Munn Ave and avoid injuring anyone else. He passed away behind the wheel at the intersection of Post Lane and Munn Ave.
Papa Joe's Service to the Riverdale Fire Department
Papa Joe Ezzo was a member of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department for 44 years. He attained the rank of Captain. He was the first in a long line of firefighters from his family. His sons Patrick and Joe were Riverdale firefighters, and his nephew Jim Regeling is currently a member and was a Past Chief.
News Accounts of Pappa Joe's Death
Local Newspapers covered the death and funeral.
Newspaper Articles
Riverdale Memorial Service
On August 25th 2007,the 25th anniversary of the Line of Duty Death of Joe Ezzo the Riverdale Fire Department hosted a memorial service. The Borough dedicated a lamp post in his honor. Click on the link below for some pictures.
Photo Album
National Memorial Service
Pappa Joe Ezzo was honored on October 7th in Emmitsberg Md. and his name was added to the National Monument. President Bush greeted his sister Filomena Franco and her husband Nick.
Pictures and Articles