RIVERDALE, NJ — August 25, 2026 — On the 44th anniversary of Captain Joseph "Papa" Ezzo's line-of-duty death, the Riverdale Fire Department is commemorating him.

Ezzo fell ill while responding to a suspected structure fire and passed away on August 25, 1982. Shortly after leaving the station, Ezzo recognized something was awry while responding alone in a department tanker, according to the Riverdale Fire Department. Before he died while driving at the crossroads of Post Lane and Munn Avenue, he managed to bring the tanker to the side of the road close to Munn Avenue.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation records Ezzo as a 64-year-old captain of the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department who died on August 25, 1982. The foundation states that he suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to a fire call.

Riverdale's department history says Ezzo had been a member of the volunteer fire department for 44 years, while the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation lists him as having 45 years of fire-service experience. Both sources establish a decades-long career in the fire service.

Ezzo rose to the rank of captain and became part of a family fire-service tradition that continued after his death. His sons, Patrick and Joe Ezzo, served with the Riverdale Fire Department, while his nephew Jim Regeling also became a Riverdale firefighter and later served as chief, according to the department.

He did more than just respond to emergencies. Ezzo was involved in his community, serving as a Little League coach for over 25 years, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The foundation also acknowledges his role in building the department's firehouse headquarters and renovating Riverdale's 1926 fire apparatus.

Later, Ezzo's sacrifice was acknowledged on a national level. His name was added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in October of 2007. According to the Riverdale Fire Department, his family was honored with a medal and flag.

Additionally, Riverdale will always be reminded of Ezzo's service. 2013 saw the dedication of Post Lane as Capt. "Papa" Joe Ezzo Way in his honor.