Line of Duty Death ~ Captain "Papa" Joe Ezzo

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.

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  firefighter and was a Past Chief.

In October of 2007 Papa Joe's sacrifice was acknowledged ,  as his name was added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg Maryland.  His family was presented with a medal and Flag From President George W. Bush.

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.

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.

On  August 25, 2013 Thirty-one years after his death the Borough of  Riverdale dedicated Post Lane in honor of Captain Joe Ezzo. Click on the  link below and scroll down to the section for the Street dedication.