
Gaicki Park
Cornell Dr. & McClintock Dr.
2 acres
One of Tempe’s smallest parks, the
park stands in memory and honor of the Tempe
firefighter/paramedic Ed Gaicki. On January 15, 1980,
Ed and his company responded to a fire at the Jumbo
Bagel Deli located at 1352 E. Apache in what is now the Food
City shopping center. The deli was fully engulfed in
flames when Ed and his fellow firefighters donned their
protective gear to enter to building in search of
others.
In total, a dozen firefighters
entered the building that day. Within minutes of their
entry, the roof collapsed. Unfortunately, Ed was the
only firefighter who did not come out. While his
friends and colleagues attempted numerous recues, there
was nothing that could be done and Ed Gaicki surrendered
that day to a higher calling.
Only 28 at the time, Ed had already
left a significant chapter to tell. Ed was a 1970
graduate of McClintock High School where he had earned
All-American honors as a running back and was elected
president of his senior class. Upon gradation, Ed
accepted an appointment into the Air Force Academy.
However, the lure of being a fireman for the City of
Tempe was too appealing.
Ed was hired on as a Tempe
Firefighter in 1975. He had been with the department
for 5 years, before his untimely and unexpected death.
In his short time with the department, he left an
impression on many of his peers and colleagues. To this
day, Ed remains the only firefighter killed in the line
of duty since the department transitioned from an all
volunteer force to a professional department.