Firefighter remembered in procession

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A 30-year veteran of the Providence Fire Department, Capt. Frank Quetta, Junior, was remembered in a procession through the streets Saturday, after having lost his battle with leukemia.

At 10:00 AM, Quetta's fellow firefighters stepped off from the city's Public Safety Complex and fire department headquarters, past two trucks, their ladders extended in an arc of salute, an American flag draped between them, as the department's honor guard's drums sounded.

Pallbearers followed on a department truck bearing the flag-draped casket.

As is tradition, crews from across the state attended, even those from beyond Rhode Island's borders. The hundreds of men in dress uniform, white gloves, and shined shoes, held quiet tribute to the captain.

"Everyone just thinks of their own good fortune because a lot of situations arise where the same thing could happen to us. We think of course of the families," said Fire Chief Paul Thomas. "All of those things go thru the minds of firefighters. We become a brotherhood that joins together to support one another.

The procession wound its way through city streets past other firehouses where Quetta had worked. He was appointed to the department back in 1979, starting with Engine Company 9, then moving up through the ranks to Captain of Ladder Company 2, in the West End. He was only 60 years old when he passed away this past Tuesday.

During his thirty year career as a Providence firefighter, Quetta received several special awards. On the evening of February 5th, 1996 Frank and another firefighter entered a burning building and found two unconcious children inside, carrying them out to their heart-stricken mother. He was later honored for his brave service.

"He was just a great officer, a great guy to work with," said Chief Thomas.

Quetta leaves behind a wife and children. Following his funeral mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, he was buried at Saint Ann's Cemetary in Cranston.