Firefighter Timothy J. "TJ" Lynch

Manlius Fire Department

Date of Death: March 7, 2002

Firefighter/Paramedic Timothy J. “TJ” Lynch, 28, was a career member of the Fayetteville Fire Department and a devoted public servant. He also served with the Tully, Kirkville, and Manlius Fire Departments, worked seven years as a Rural/Metro paramedic, and was a Special Deputy with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. He believed deeply that firefighting was a privilege and an honor. On March 7, 2002, he responded to a mutual‑aid house fire in Pompey. After ventilating the roof, his crew advanced a handline into the mudroom, where the floor suddenly collapsed, trapping Lynch and Firefighter/Paramedic John Ginocchetti 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. A memorial scholarship in his name supports students pursuing fire science and fire service careers.