BIOGRAPHY

Born on August 20, 1953 in Portland, Maine.

On November 13, 1977, Joey was appointed to the Portland Fire Department assigned to Engine 4 at Bramhall Station, then Engine 5 at Central Station, with Badge #143.  He was a strong, talented athlete, who played several local sports, including the fire department’s basketball and softball teams.  In 1979, he was transferred to the so-called “Pool” to substitute at firehouses for members on vacation or sick leave.

On March 23, 1980, Firefighter Cavallaro reported to Engine 1 on Munjoy Hill for the night shift, stood Roll Call and was on-duty, ready for another night, doing a job he loved.

At 02:31 hours on March 24th, a building fire was reported at the Phoenix nightclub at 83 Oak Street, which was a former church.  The brick structure had been renovated.  Firefighting operations were difficult because of the steep, slate roof, and the windows had been bricked in, except in the front of the building.

Shortly after, as firefighters were working a hose line on the 2nd-floor, the front windows blew out in a flash-over or “Backdraft.”  A firefighter from Engine 1 was reported missing as the fire was still not under control.  A search for him began.  His brother firefighters found him further into the fire-ravaged building.

Firefighter Cavallaro, age 26, died from burns and asphyxiation.  He was a member of the department for only two years.  He was survived by his mother, his wife Mary, daughter Amy Jo and son Matthew.

Firefighter Cavallaro was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Section C, 136.