“He was one of those tough guys’: Providence Fire mourns the loss of one of their own

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- The Providence Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.

Lieutenant Christopher Jannitto, a Warren native and thirty-year veteran of the department, died Friday after a battle with cancer.

Providence Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Dolan described Jannitto as fiercely loyal, tough, and witty. So much so, he earned the nickname ‘Trigger’.

Engine 13 on Allens Avenue was draped with bunting Sunday, in honor of the fallen firefighter.

Chief Dolan said the loss of one of their own has hit the department hard. He noted Jannitto’s brother Joseph, is a Battalion Chief with Providence.

Dolan told ABC6 one of Jannitto’s final wishes was to be carried to his services in the Local 799 firetruck.

“They’re getting it ready for his last wishes.”

As firefighters prepared the truck to perfection, Dolan explained that Jannitto was the type of guy who wasn’t going to complain, and would keep working with a smile on his face.

Even while battling cancer, Jannitto continued to battle fires throughout the City of Providence. Dolan said he fought right up until the end.

“One day, we had three third alarm fires and a second alarm fire. He was working that day. I think that was the end of July, early August,” Dolan explained.

“I saw him at the fire. Had a smile on his face just like he always had. He was dirty just like he always was, he was one of those tough guys.”

He said Jannitto was involved in everything from the Executive Board to the Department’s hockey team. He was also responsible for taking the new firefighters under his wing and showing them the ropes.

“As a firefighter he taught all the newest Firefighters underneath him they had nothing but the most respect for him. He would lead the way he would bust their chops pretty good too. He was probably one of the wittiest people on the job you couldn’t beat him.”

That charm and wit earned Jannitto the nickname of ‘Trigger’. Dolan says he was too quick for anyone.

Chief Dolan says Jannitto leaves behind his wife Megan and two daughters, Samantha and Niki.