Pittston in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John F. Lombardo and Leonard C. Insalaco II
Pittston City Fire Dept. • West Pittston Hose Co. 1
— Lest We Forget —
John F. Lombardo and Leonard C. Insalaco II,
two brave heroes who perished in the
line of duty on March 15, 1993 while
fighting a fire on North Main St., Pittston City.
Their memory will live in our hearts forever.
Erected by Pittston City Fire Dept. and West Pittston Hose Co. 1.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical date for this entry is March 15, 1993.
Location. 41° 19.417′ N, 75° 47.481′ W. Marker is in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. Marker is on Kennedy Boulevard south of William Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittston PA 18640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fire Fighters' Memorial Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); President John F. Kennedy Memorial Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Thomas Jerome Hromisin (within shouting distance of this marker); Lieutenant Colonel Richard Joseph Berrettini (within shouting distance of this marker); Corporal Dale Justin Kridlo (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Hometown Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Lieutenant Jeffrey Frank DePrimo (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John the Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittston.
Regarding John F. Lombardo and Leonard C. Insalaco II. Excerpt from the US Fire Administration (FEMA) Report:
Two volunteer firefighters were killed in the early morning hours of Monday, March 15, 1993 in the town of Pittston, Pennsylvania. The two firefighters, who were members of separate departments, were operating as a team on a hoseline, attempting to locate a concealed fire, when a sudden and unanticipated floor collapse sent them crashing down into an inaccessible combustible concealed space. Even though both were wearing full protective clothing, using self-contained breathing apparatus, and operating with the protection of a handline, they were unable to escape from the building or find refuge from the rapidly advancing fire conditions. Rescue teams were unable to reach the victims due to difficult access and rapid fire spread throughout the fire building and interconnected structures.
The two firefighters who died were Captain John F. Lombardo of the Pittston Fire Department, age 26, a six year fire service veteran, and Assistant Foreman Leonard lnsalaco II of the West Pittston Fire Department, age 20, a two year fire service veteran.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Floor Collapse Claims Two Firefighters (US Fire Administration Report). (Submitted on November 30, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.