April 9 — SYRACUSE, NY — A tragedy 40 years ago taught lessons that Syracuse firefighters will never forget.
In 1978, four firefighters were killed in a three-story Victorian home that had been turned into 10 student apartments near Syracuse University. The hazards in the building played a key role in the firefighters' deaths, said Syracuse Fire Fighters Local 280 President Paul Motondo.
Stanley Duda, Michael Petragnani, Frank Porpiglio, Jr., and Robert Shuler died in the blaze at 701 University Ave. on April 9, 1978.
"Each and every firefighter who has come along since this tragedy owes these men a significant debt of gratitude," Motondo said. "Our safety is a result of the legacy they left behind and that should always be remembered."
Syracuse firefighters, local officials and families of the four men gathered Monday morning to honor the fallen heroes.
Motondo said their deaths inspired change and taught valuable lessons.
A candle was blamed for starting the fire at the home. The firefighters were conducting search and rescue operations inside the home when a hidden sprinkler system caused an impenetrable wall of heat and steam, which cut off their escape.
"This tragedy exposed a local and national problem about non-sanctioned student housing," Motondo said.
Since that day, there has been major code changes in non-sanctioned housing and adjustments to firefighting operations.
"That means we all learned valuable lessons," he said Monday morning to a crowded room at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center, which is short walk from the site of the fire.
Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds said the stories of the heroic actions of these four men have been passed down to firefighters over the last four decades.
"They sacrificed that night," Monds said.
Monds said the recent fatal fire in Syracuse on Fitch Street where two firefighters were injured rescuing residents who were trapped is a reminder of firefighters' bravery and sacrifice.
"The incident last Thursday on Fitch Street really brought everything back home on how dangerous our jobs are, the actions that firefighters take to try to save lives and put their own lives on line," Monds said.
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