Our condolences to the Lynch and Ginocchetti families and the Manlius Fire Department and the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department of New York. Firefighter Timothy Lynch, 28, and Firefighter John Ginocchetti, 41, died Thursday night, March 7, 2002. Both firefighters had finished venting the roof of a burning residence on a mutual aid response call in Pompey, NY. As they pulled a line into the residence the kitchen floor collapsed, sending the two firefighters into the basement where they were overcome and died from burns and smoke inhalation. Two other firefighters were also injured in the blaze.

     There were no hydrants in the area, hampering firefighters efforts, and companies scrambled to pump water in from nearby streams and ponds. The family that lived in the house was home when the fire started, but they managed to escape unharmed. In a scene reminiscent of the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, firefighters placed flags and helmets on the chests of their fallen brothers as the bodies were brought out. After the two firefighters were brought out of the home, they were placed in ambulances and taken to University Hospital. One was taken in a Manlius ambulance, the other in a Fayetteville ambulance.

     John was a full-time paid paramedic with the Manlius Fire Department for more than 12 years and was also the President of IAFF Local 3316. The calling hours for John Ginocchetti will be held Monday, March 11, 2002 3-8PM at the Christian Apostolic Church, 7300 Woodchuck Hill Road, Fayetteville. A memorial funeral will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2002 11AM at the church. The family is asking all contributions be sent to the church, in care the "Bethany Fund" and that all flowers be sent to the Manlius Fire Department on Stickley Drive.

     Timothy was a Manlius resident and volunteer firefighter with the Manlius Fire Department and full-time paid paramedic with the Fayetteville Fire Department for 3 years. The calling hours for Timothy Lynch will be held Monday, March 11, 2002 2-7PM at the Farone & Son Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street. A memorial funeral will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2002 2PM at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Manlius.

Donations can also be made to: The Fallen Firefighters Funds c/o HSBC Bank 228 East Seneca Street Manlius, NY 13104