by NBC 10 NEWS
CRANSTON, R.I., (WJAR) — A Johnston firefighter was killed Tuesday in an off-duty motorcycle crash.
The Cranston Police Department identified the victim as Richard Gemma, 45, of Cranston.
ORIGINAL NOTE: https://turnto10.com/news/local/johnston-firefighter-dies-in-motorcycle-accident
Johnston Firefighter Richard Gemma, 45, died yesterday in a motorcycle crash. Firefighters are putting up black bunting outside of the station where he worked. He’s survived by his 3 children and parents. Fire chief says Richard was a great firefighter and loved his kids. @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/wSeJgfsaeK
— Michelle San Miguel (@MichelleSMNews) August 28, 2019
Gemma spent six years as a Johnston firefighter. Johnston Fire Chief Peter Lamb described Gemma as a good firefighter and a friendly, outgoing man.
“We handle emergencies every day. This one’s different. It’s sudden,” Lamb told NBC 10. “Everyone’s taken back by it. Everyone’s trying to process it in their own way.”
On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters put up black bunting outside of Fire Station 3 on Atwood Avenue, where Gemma worked.
“Richard’s been to a hundred motorcycle crashes yet yesterday he was the victim,” Lamb said.
Gemma’s fellow firefighters are remembering a man with deep ties to the community.
“His father retired from here as a battalion chief so he was a second-generation firefighter,” Lamb said.
According to Cranston police, Gemma suffered a traumatic head injury after a crash at the intersection of Belgium Street and Felicia Drive around 5 p.m. Tuesday. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators believe Gemma was traveling north on Belgium Street when his front tire struck the curb on the west side of the road, causing him to veer. Authorities said Gemma tried to break, which caused him to be thrown from the motorcycle.
Gemma was not wearing a helmet, according to police, and hit his head on the ground. Cranston police said it does not appear Gemma was speeding.
An autopsy will be performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Gemma is survived by his three children, who range in age from 21 to 15.