The funeral service for Rich Balik, Delmont’s fire chief, was held Friday at P. David Newhouse Funeral Home in New Alexandria.
Balik, 47, a longtime firefighter with several departments in Westmoreland County, died unexpectedly Saturday. He was found unresponsive at his home and apparently died of cardiac arrest on the way to a hospital, said Delmont Councilman Bill Marx.
The 1991 Greensburg Salem High School graduate was involved with fire departments in New Alexandria and Slickville, as well as a county water rescue team. He took over the Delmont department in 2017.
Balik, whose nickname was “Flipper,” was involved in putting on a Mother’s Day parade through the borough.
“He’s going to be truly missed, he was dedicated,” said Delmont police Chief T.J. Klobucar.
