Growing up on Grapal Street, Jimmy Dianni envisioned two career paths: playing center field for the Yankees or fighting fires.
By Jon Craig
Growing up on Grapal Street, Jimmy Dianni envisioned two career paths: playing center field for the Yankees or fighting fires.
Three longtime Rye firefighters, including Fire Inspector Danny Coughlin, lived just down the street from his mother’s house, fueling young Jimmy’s interest in becoming a fireman. When he wasn’t in school or working, you would find him playing football, basketball, or baseball. His senior year at Rye High School, the outfielder played on the winning New York State Championship Babe Ruth League team.
Driving to work, January 2, 1973, his first day as a city firefighter, Mr. Dianni realized he was never going to be a professional baseball player. “That was just a pipe dream. Being a firefighter was the perfect job for me,” said Mr. Dianni, who has also served as Fire Inspector since 1985.
Having reached the mandatory retirement age, the 62-year-old said he was going to miss his career. “I always liked dealing with the public and educating the children during Fire Safety Week programs. I’ve got lots of memories, nearly all of them good ones.”
Mr. Dianni also has vivid memories of serious fires he helped put out. He was the first firefighter to arrive at the scene of a suspicious fire at Shenorock Shore Club, which destroyed the main clubhouse in the late 1970s. He was at a major fire at Westchester Beach Club, which was called in from as far away as Long Island.
Co-workers, family, and friends toasted him at a party at Locust Avenue Fire Headquarters March 30. Everyone enjoyed cold cuts from Post Road Market and dessert decorated with fire hydrants and No. 1 decals, courtesy of 350° Classic Bakeshop.
“I’ve always loved living and working in Rye,” he said. “You’ll still see me walking down Purchase Street, but I’m not going to be one of those guys who just hangs around. I’ll stop by the Fire House for coffee, but not first thing.”
On his last day of work he said, “The Yankees play their first game next week. Great timing.”
