Four firefighters from Oley and Fleetwood received Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards for Burn Heroism at the 11th annual Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards Celebration held at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem recently.
Firefighters Josh DePietro, Eric Oxenreider and Katelyn Oxenreider of Oley Fire Department and Firefighter Jeremy Emerich of Fleetwood Fire Department were among the nearly two dozen first responders and everyday citizens from northern and northeastern Pennsylvania for acts of heroism or commitment to burn education.
Firefighters were called to a house fire in the early morning hours of April 9. They knew the home’s resident was a disabled man who would have trouble getting out. Katelyn and Eric Oxenreider found the man lying in his bed and began bringing him out when their alarms sounded, signaling that they were low on air. DePietro and Emerich took over the rescue. Despite receiving an electrical shock, DePietro continued to assist Emerich with getting the man to the window since the floor was beginning to burn through. Firefighters then removed the man through the window and down a ladder to waiting EMS crews. Despite the heroic efforts of all the firefighters on scene, the man later died due to his injuries.
The program was started locally by the Burn Prevention Network in partnership with Valley Preferred and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) to recognize persons who have risked their lives to save others from a burn or death by fire. The program also recognizes individuals and groups who have done an outstanding job promoting fire safety or burn prevention education.
Valley Preferred, a provider-led, preferred provider organization, is sponsoring the program to raise public awareness regarding burn safety and prevention.
“Valley Preferred is honored to join in the efforts to recognize first responders for their acts of courage, as well as support ongoing programs promoting fire safety and burn prevention education,” says Valley Preferred executive director Jack A. Lenhart, MD. “The lifesaving efforts of first responders and burn prevention education are two of the most meaningful ways to protect the health of families here in our community.”
Burn Prevention Network director Dan Dillard said that risking one’s life for another, especially for a stranger, is the epitome of brotherhood and citizenship.
“We also acknowledge the efforts of those who dedicate their time and talent to preventing burn injuries as well as those extraordinary individuals who rise up from devastating burn injury to inspire and support fellow burn survivors.”
