Voting is now closed!
We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize each of these heroes. In our book, they are all Heroes of the Year!
Be sure to read all our heroes’ stories here.
Francis is a full-time firefighter and part-time nurse at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. Before serving in these life-saving capacities, Fran was a Paramedic. Firefighting runs in Fran’s family. His father was a retired Philadelphia Fire Department Captain who served for more than 30 years.
On July 4, 2012, Fran entered a smoke-filled home and heard a woman in distress on the 2nd floor. When Fran found her, she was trapped, panicked and out of breathe from breathing in too much smoke. In a split-second decision, Fran took a big breath, removed his tank and put it on the woman. Both got out safely, although Fran was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Fran later met the woman he saved, and presented her with about $500 of his own overtime pay to help her and her family.
On April 9, Fran was injured in a warehouse fire. He was inspecting an adjacent building to the warehouse when the wall and roof began to fall. Fran was buried in the rubble but managed to dig himself out. Two of Fran’s Ladder 10 firefighter brothers, Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney, were killed in the fire and and Firefighter Patrick Nally sustained serious injuries. Fran was able to return to work 3 weeks later. Fran donated his Hero of the Month prize money to the Philadelphia Firefighters Local 22 Widow’s Fund and the assistance in healthcare fund at the Cancer Treatment Center of America .
Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29
- Winter Driving Safety - January 8, 2020
- A Simple Check to Support California’s Peace Officers - March 17, 2019
- California Casualty Gives Back - February 8, 2018
Fran is a stand up guy!
Franny was also helluva cop. Remember his days in the 15th District many, many, years ago. Very happy he found his true calling and became a firefighter.
Fran u r MY HERO!!!
I have known Fran since he was a young boy. He was a great kid who always wanted to be a firefighter. I worked with Frank Sr. over the years and he is also a great guy and a very good fire officer. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree did it. Congratulations Fran. Frank I know your a proud dad as we’ll you should be. Keep up the good work Fran, stay safe & God Bless. PFD FIREFIGHTER IS THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD.
I’ve know Fran for nearly 20 years. There is no person more deserving this award than him. Best of luck Fran!
Fran C…… u rock philly!!
Franny is the best,Ilove this man,this is one good brother.
Fran is an EVERYDAY HERO!!!!!!
My man Fran is the Real Deal!
I have had the great honor to work with Frank & Fran they are both wonderful people.
Way to go– Congrats!!
Fran it was an honor to go through the Fire Academy with you Brother… Your a stand up guy. Good luck pal…
Way to go Fran..you are a true hero. Congrats!