Firefighter Enrico F. Vendetti

Syracuse Fire Department

Date of Death: July 12, 1959

Firefighter Enrico Vendetti was killed in the line of duty while driving Engine Company 6 in response to a structure fire at 608 South Townsend Street. As Engine 6 and Engine 7 simultaneously entered the blind intersection of South Townsend and East Jefferson Streets, Engine 6 struck the midship driver’s side of Engine 7. The impact locked the two apparatus together, sending them into a nearby gas station, shearing off a structural support and destroying a fuel‑pump island. Extrication efforts were delayed as a wrecker was required to separate the vehicles, with rescue operations further complicated by spilled gasoline and the threat of ignition.