Firefighter (Posthumous Promotion to Lieutenant) John E. Ginocchetti

Manlius Fire Department

Date of Death: March 7, 2002

Firefighter/Paramedic John E. Ginocchetti, 41, served the Manlius Fire Department for 12 years and was president of Manlius Professional Firefighters Local 3316. A dedicated career firefighter who also served with the Fayetteville Fire Department, he was known for his courage, kindness, and selflessness. On March 7, 2002, he responded with his crew to a mutual‑aid house fire. After ventilating the roof, the team advanced a handline into the mudroom, where the floor suddenly collapsed, trapping Ginocchetti and Firefighter/Paramedic Timothy “TJ” Lynch in the basement. Extreme heat made rescue impossible until firefighters breached the rear wall. Both were removed and transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead of asphyxiation.