On the morning of December 18, Officer Anthony Ciraco of the Melbourne Police Department awoke to what would become a harrowing and life-altering ordeal. While preparing breakfast, a kitchen fire erupted, quickly engulfing his home in flames. In an act of pure bravery and selflessness, Officer Ciraco risked his life to rescue his beloved dog, Buddy, from the inferno. Though both emerged alive, Anthony sustained significant injuries and has lost nearly everything he owned.
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The Heroic Rescue
As the fire intensified, Ciraco attempted to extinguish the flames, but the blaze quickly spiraled out of control. In the chaos, Buddy ran back into a bedroom, unable to escape. Determined not to leave his dog behind, Ciraco dashed through the flames to find and rescue Buddy. Carrying Buddy in his arms, Ciraco navigated the burning home, enduring severe burns as flames roared across the ceiling. The pair made it to safety through a rear sliding door, but not before Ciraco suffered second-degree burns to his face, arms, and torso, as well as smoke inhalation injuries.
After ensuring Buddy’s safety outside, Ciraco realized he had left his phone behind and returned to the burning home to retrieve it. Once again risking his life, he narrowly escaped for a second time and was able to summon help. His quick actions allowed the fire department to respond before the flames spread to neighboring townhouses, sparing his neighbors from a similar tragedy.
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The Aftermath
Ciraco was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center and later transferred to the burn unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center for specialized care. His injuries, while serious, could have been fatal had he delayed his escape any further. Buddy, miraculously, emerged unscathed.
The fire completely destroyed Ciraco’s townhouse and nearly all of his possessions. Furniture, clothing, and cherished items were consumed by the flames or rendered unusable by smoke and water damage. Without renters’ insurance, Ciraco faces staggering financial challenges as he works to rebuild his life. His home, severely damaged with a partially collapsed roof, will require months of reconstruction before it is habitable again.
A Community Rallies
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Officer Ciraco recover from this devastating loss. Organized by his close friend, retired MPD Sergeant Jeffery Koebrl, the fundraiser highlights Ciraco’s remarkable character and his dedication to serving his community. Before joining the Melbourne Police Department, Ciraco worked as a bartender, where he became known for his compassion, professionalism, and ability to de-escalate tense situations. Encouraged by friends and colleagues, Ciraco eventually pursued a career in law enforcement, where he has continued to exemplify courage and selflessness.
“Anthony is one of the good guys,” Koebrl shared. “He has spent his life lifting others up in their times of need. Now, it’s our turn to help him.”
How to Help
The road to recovery will be long and difficult for Officer Ciraco. He faces significant medical expenses, the loss of his home and belongings, and the challenge of finding temporary housing while his home is rebuilt. The GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate some of the financial burden and provide Ciraco with the resources he needs to recover and rebuild.
To support Officer Ciraco, visit the GoFundMe page here.
Anthony Ciraco has spent his life serving others and showing kindness to everyone he meets. Now, the community has an opportunity to show him that same kindness and support as he begins the difficult process of rebuilding his life. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward helping him heal and move forward.
