My Sister, A Lincroft Firefighter, Is A True COVID Hero

LINCROFT, NJ — Earlier this week, Patch asked our readers in Monmouth County to nominate a local "coronavirus hero," someone who has gone above and beyond during this time and may not be getting the recognition they deserve.

And Patch reader Laurie Beeden wrote in to nominate her sister, Gianna Vulpis, who is a volunteer EMT and firefighter in Lincroft, among her many other jobs.

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker?" Yes

What does the nominee do for work? EMT and firefighter

Gianna is dedicated to serving not only her community, but several others, as well. She is a paid EMT for Colonia, North Plainfield and Long Branch, as well as a volunteer EMT for Lincroft and Keyport. She is a volunteer firefighter for Lincroft Fire Company Station 10.

"Gianna’s life goals are to serve and protect," writes her sister. "On several occasions, she not only performed her EMT duties, she also went above and beyond by preparing meals for patients or attended to patients’ children. Gianna has a big, caring heart which radiates through in her profession."

Gianna is one of five female firefighters with the Lincroft Fire Company, said Dennis Fowler, a spokesman for the squad. He said the all-volunteer Middletown Fire Dept. is always welcoming of anyone who wants to help, and women are welcome on the squad.

"We are happy to have anyone, it makes no difference," said Fowler.

Gianna is in her early 20s and lives with her parents in Lincroft. She graduated from Brookdale. Fowler said Gianna's current role with the Lincroft Fire Co. is as an engineer, to make sure the fire trucks are always functioning and ready to go.

Laurie, what’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?

Gianna has a kind, caring heart, and always makes sure everyone is safe and healthy. She is dedicated to her line of work. Gianna has a kind, caring heart, and always makes sure everyone is safe and healthy.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.