COALDALE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — First responders say it is just part of their job, but on Monday night, firefighters in Schuylkill County are being honored for saving a teenage boy trapped inside a burning home.
A third-alarm structure fire tore through three row homes on East Howard Avenue in Coaldale last month. The first and second floors of one home were fully engulfed. Inside, a 13-year-old boy was trapped.
"They did something that was extraordinary, and they went in high heat, smoke conditions, heavy fire, and they located the victim," Coaldale Fire Department Chief Steven Polischak said.
The boy was flown to a hospital with second and third-degree burns. His father was also hurt but later released.
"The individual, as far as I'm understanding, is still in the hospital. He's alive today, and that's what we like to hear," Chief Polischak told 28/22 News.
On Monday, 11 firefighters, seven from Coaldale and four from Tamaqua, received the Medal of Valor.
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"It's the highest honor that a firefighter can get. Our department is 119 years old, and it's the first time ever that it happened in our borough," Chief Polischak continued.
County leaders say the honor goes beyond just those 11 people.
"What these men do daily makes them heroes, and all of our first responders, and what they did that day by saving somebody's life. The county immensely appreciates it and the residents of Schuylkill County, so thank you," Schuylkill County Commissioner Larry Padora stated.
Humble in their recognition, the firefighters say they were doing their jobs, but for one boy and one community, their actions that night will never be forgotten.
Officials say quick action from more than 20 responding fire companies helped keep the flames from spreading farther.
The young boy continues his recovery in the hospital.
