Community Corner

Emergency Responders Honored for Saving Twin Toddlers from Fire

A total of six members of the Norristown Fire Department, and one member of the Norristown Police Department, were honored for their actions during a fire on April 21.

Local emergency responders were honored at the start of Wednesday night's Norristown Municipal Council Meeting, for their actions in rescuing twin toddlers from a burning home on Marshall street in April.

Five members of the Norristown Fire Department and one member of the Norristown Police Department were awarded Unit Citations for displaying "dedication to duty and concern for life safety on April 21st, 2013."

They include:

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  • Chris Cossman, Norristown Fire Department Battalion Chief
  • John Gallagher, Firefighter
  • Craig Glass Jr., Firefighter
  • Mitchell Kijak, Firefighter
  • Matt Gallagher, Firefighter
  • Edward Butterworth, Norristown Police Department

The conclusion of the citation reads:

"The combined actions and performance of the above named personnel prevented further injury and reflect the dedication and commitment of all public servants for the Municipality of Norristown."

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A sixth member of the NFD, firefighter Christopher Valerio, was awarded the Award of Merit Commendation for finding the twin toddlers by using a thermal imaging camera, and personally carrying one of them out of the burning home.

A portion of Valerio's award reads:

"Firefighter Valerio's disciplined and thorough search of the dwelling resulted in the quick discovery and removal of the children from a hazardous environment."

The Norristown Fire Department Once on the scene at the 100 block of East Marshall Street, firefighters witnessed smoke coming from the rear of the building and forced entry, finding two small children trapped inside.

Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O'Donnell stated that the fire seemed to have begun because of an unattended lit burner on a stove in the apartment, but the investigation into the cause is ongoing.

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