PROVIDENCE, RI. — Providence firefighter Lt. Joseph Vinacco, 46, died Tuesday, according to the Providence Fire Fighters Facebook page.
“It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you that Providence Fire Department Rescue Lt. Joseph Vinacco has passed away after a courageous 2-year battle with cancer,” the post read.
Vinacco, who joined the department in 2001, most recently worked on Rescue 3 in the Branch Avenue station.
In 2012, Vinacco and Rescue Technician Ryan Foss were honored for saving Rescue Tech Raymond McCauley, who collapsed at the station, reported NBC10.
The department announced that Vinacco has been posthumously promoted to the rank of rescue captain.
Vinacco leaves behind his wife, Erin, and four young children, Nicholas and Julia, 13, Amanda, 11, and Lucas, 6.
Information on arrangements will be forthcoming.