Civilians, emergency responders honored for helping to save Plum woman from fire

Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel honored the residents and emergency responders who helped save a woman from a fire last month.

The fire took place at about 2:15 p.m. on Jan. 7 at 211 Frontenac Road.

A 77-year-old Plum woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation after being rescued from her burning home by her neighbor and borough police.

They used ladders and an ax to get to her on the second floor after other attempts proved unsuccessful.

No other injuries were reported, and the woman was released from the hospital the next day.

Schlegel offered his thanks to those involved, and mentioned many by name at Monday night’s council meeting.

Residents commended included neighbor Butch Bankert, physicians assistant Jacob Matter, nurse Kerrie Sikina, Bill and Tyler O’Block and Justin Savak.

“They didn’t have to do anything,” Schlegel said. “It wasn’t their jobs, but they stepped up.”

Officers commended included Michael DeMarco, Raymond Luther, Eric Brant, Dennis Rupert and Sgt. Eric Zdobinski. The mayor also thanked the firefighters who responded.

“It was a team effort,” Bankert said at the scene.

Those commended were not at the meeting.

Schlegel said the officers would receive special commendations in a private ceremony with police Chief Lanny Conley, and that they declined public recognition stating they were just doing their jobs.

Firefighters from Oakmont, Upper and Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Penn Hills and Monroeville also responded to the call.