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Proclamation commending and recognizing Plum Borough Police Sergeant Jay Kapusta, Officer Eric Callen, Officer Crystal Iachini and Fire Chief Ray Brenner for their actions on February 20, 2016 which resulted in the rescue of two adults and five children from a burning home.
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WHEREAS, on the morning of February 20, 2016, Allegheny County 9-1-1 received a phone call from an 11-year-old girl reporting smoke in her home on Cherrywood Drive in Plum Borough; the first responders on scene were Plum Borough Police Sergeant Jay Kapusta and Officer Eric Callen; and
WHEREAS, upon entering the house, the officers encountered heavy smoke from the kitchen area and so dropped to the floor; while searching the immediate area inside the house, Officer Callen grabbed the leg of the homeowner who was carrying her one-year-old son; both mother and son were removed from the house and taken to a place of safety in the front yard; and
WHEREAS, Plum Borough Police Officer Crystal Iachini and Fire Chief Ray Brenner of the Logan Ferry Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene and attempted to learn from the homeowner how many other people were still in the residence; officers observed two young children in a second story window in the front of the house - Sergeant Kapusta assisted Officer Callen onto the roof above the garage where he was able to reach the two children and remove them from the home; they were passed from the roof to safety; and
WHEREAS, knowing that there were still other people inside the home, Officer Callen climbed over the roof to gain access to the back of the house while Sergeant Kapusta assisted Officer Iachini onto the garage roof for her to assist in the search of the home; Officer Callen located the mother of the homeowner and was able to remove her from the home with the assistance of Sergeant Kapusta; and
WHEREAS, working with Chief Brenner and Sergeant Kapusta, fire personnel were able to rescue the two remaining children in the home and initiate the rescue of the homeowner’s mother and Officer Callen who were on the rear roof of the home, and Officer Iachini down from the front roof. Officers verified that all family members had been accounted for and had received medical treatment. In total, two adults and five children were rescued from the burning home; and
WHEREAS, the officers and emergency personnel who responded to this call reflected their department’s motto of pride, professionalism and dedication; without thought to their personal safety, the officers immediately took action to intercede and ensure the safety of the residents of the home; their persistence, effort, cooperation, leadership, initiative and concern for others may have very well made all of the difference in the lives of these seven people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Allegheny County Council Member Dr. Charles Martoni, by virtue of the authority vested in us, do hereby commend and recognize Plum Borough Police Sergeant Jay Kapusta, Officer Eric Callen, Officer Crystal Iachini and Fire Chief Ray Brenner for their actions on February 20, 2016 which resulted in the rescue of two adults and five children from a burning home. We are blessed and grateful to have public servants such as these who are committed to the safety and well-being of their community and thank them for their diligence and self-sacrifice on this day, and every day in our county.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 8th day of March, 2016.