John J. Giardina

August 23, 1943

Captain assigned to Engine 3, suffered a stroke and died en route to St. Joseph's Hospital on August 23, 1943. His death, apparently, was the result of a freak accident that occurred the previous night, while he was fighting a fire on Avery Street. During the blaze, Giardina was caught beneath bedsprings for several minutes and inhaled the vapors from a recent fumigation in the house. He had been with the department for twenty-five years. John J. Giardina was married but had no children. He was well known for his charitable works in the community, including helping others with more than 200 blood donations.