Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Edward DiRocco, 46, of Providence, a self-employed landscaper and contractor, was driving his pickup truck on Smith Hill on March 29 when he saw smoke coming from the eaves of a tenement.

Thinking that he could help rouse the tenants in the house, at 52 Zone St., he stopped and got out. Then he heard glass breaking above him, and he saw a panicky man lean out of a window, considering whether he should jump.

Noticing that the man would probably land on a metal fence below, DiRocco said that he urged him not to jump. A truck with a metal extension ladder on it happened to come by, and DiRocco halted the truck and had the driver help him wrestle the ladder to the side of the house.

Flames appeared in the second-floor window as DiRocco helped the man come down the ladder. The victim, who was in his early 20s, was taken to the hospital.

In recognition of his very good deed, Mayor David N. Cicilline Tuesday presented DiRocco with a citizen's citation for what the mayor called his bravery and selflessness. The presentation was made in a small ceremony in the atrium of the Public Safety Complex.

Describing himself as "an everyday man," a beaming DiRocco said his two boys have called him a hero. He said that he does not know the name of the man he saved but that he would be glad to shake his hand and say hello.

 Tags  Mayor David N. Cicilline Providence RI

Comments

CJ said:

Mr. DiRocco, you are a hero and I'm sure that man you saved would be honored to shake your hand.

Link | May 12, 2009 5:32 PM
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