ALLENTOWN, Pa. — "Fire won't wait, plan your escape."
That was the emphasis as Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk declared October to be Fire and Burn Prevention Month at the city fire department's awards ceremony Monday.
- Firefighters, staff, friends, family and elected officials attended the Allentown Fire Department's 2022 Fire Prevention & Awards Ceremony
- Department officials and speakers like Mayor Matthew Tuerk and city council vice president Ed Zucal addressed the crowd, commending the department's bravery and action
- Many in the department were recognized with heroism and service awards
- Mayor Matthew Tuerk declared October "fire and burn prevention month," focusing on educating the public on ensuring they are safe from fire at home
The declaration, aligning with the annual National Fire Prevention Week, emphasizes the need to develop an escape plan in the case of a fire that accommodates physical or sensory disabilities of those in the household.
Also, to have an awareness that most fire deaths in the United State occur in the home and to install smoke alarms in sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
A crowd of firefighters, friends, family and elected officials gathered at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Allentown to celebrate heroic and brave acts made by those in the department, and to award outstanding firefighters.
Unit citations were given for responding to and containing fires at buildings and motor vehicle accidents, as well as a water rescue.
"We as a city are grateful for the work that you do every day."Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk
Tuerk said investments into the fire department, such as the recent acquisition of new vehicles and the creation of a new emergency operations center, will continue.
"We as a city are grateful for the work that you do every day," Tuerk told firefighters. "For the heroic deeds, but also just being there every day in keeping us safe."
This comes as U.S. home fire deaths hit a 14-year high.
Chris Bellis, a PPL utility worker who is not a firefighter, also was awarded a certificate of appreciation for quick action on a scene before the arrival of fire trucks, calling 911, disconnecting power and assisting a resident out of the home when he saw smoke.
Paramedics, supporting organizations and others also received certificates of appreciation from the department.
The event also welcomed and said goodbye to some — greeting new firefighters and memorializing four veteran firefighters who died this year: Robert Fatzinger, Thomas Fatzinger, John Ott and Albert Fraind Jr.
Each served 29 or more years in the department.
"Most of us are in nice air-conditioned offices or heated rooms, but the firemen, they don't have that luxury," City Council Vice President Ed Zucal said. "You know, they're out there doing their job on the coldest day of the year and the hottest day of the year and if it wouldn't be for them, some of us actually would not even be here today."
Prestigious service awards for the department were given out later in the event, recognizing firefighters who went above and beyond in service, dedication, leadership and hard work.
The Alfred W. Fischl firefighter service award was given to Michael Bryant, while firefighter of the year and the chief's award went to Lloyd Evans and Steven Costa, respectively.
All three received standing ovations from the crowd as they walked up to the stage.
