The 110th annual Central District Firemen’s Convention is taking place presently in Osceola Mills. Tyrone Volunteer Fire Companies are attending and participating in the festivities.
The annual convention has been expanded to a three-day event. The convention was hosted by Tyrone a few years ago. The Central District is approaching a membership of 5,000 as it represents more than 250 fire service organizations in more than 20 counties.
In recent years, the Central District has been presenting both valor and fire safety education awards to recognize individuals and organizations, both in and out of the fire service, who make valuable contributions toward safety of citizens and our communities.
Yesterday, the Central District held an afternoon session at the United Methodist Church in Osceola Mills and presented 2002 awards to the respected fire services and individuals.
Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner, Ed Mann, was also in attendance and spoke to the people who assembled at the United Methodist Church.
Tyrone was represented by five individuals from Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Company (The Hookies)and one individual from the Citizens Fire Company , who accepted valor awards. Matthew DeArmitt, of Citizens Fire Company and John Wagner, Brian Moyer, J.R. Watson, Shawn Kovac and David Hoffman, Jr. of The Hookies accepted awards presented by Leonard Alwine, Central District Chaplain and Chairperson of the Awards Committee.
The reason for the award is simple; they were doing their job. On December 24, 2001 a fire in the third story apartment on Lincoln Avenue trapped Christine Lacombe inside the structure. Upon arrival, the crews were told that she was unaccounted for. Hoffman and Wagner entered the structure and knocked down the flames, then began searching for the victim.
Watson, using a thermal imaging device, located the victim. DeArmitt and Kovac then carried the victim from the structure where Moyer kept the airway open until EMS personnel arrived.
Lacombe was life flighted to West Penn Burn Center for treatment of injuries. Ms. Lacombe eventually recovered. The men performed a heroic deed and saved a person’s life. An award means little to what it means for the men to be able to see Ms. Lacombe another day. But the award definitely is appreciated by all who received it, and then some.
DeArmitt, valor award recipient and member of Citizens Fire Company, appreciated the honor.
“It’s very nice to accept an award on behalf of our effort, but it really goes out to everyone who was involved.”
“Everyone” is important when it comes to fighting fires; it takes a joint effort. Watson, who was the valor award recipient representing The Hookies, agreed with DeArmitt.
“As far as the award goes it really belongs to a number of individuals, but hats off really goes to the whole department because it’s a combined effort between all three companies on any type of call,” said Watson.”It’s unfortunate the incident occurred when it could have been avoided by a properly working smoke detector.”
When incidents do occur in Tyrone such as the December 24th fire, it’s relaxing to know that we have brave and dedicated men in our volunteer fire companies who assist and help the people of Tyrone regardless of the consequences that could be at hand.
Hats off to these men for what they did and continue to do for the community of Tyrone. Thank you and congratulations!
