Community, fire departments turn out to honor late Delmont Chief Rich Balik

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Community, fire departments turn out to honor late Delmont Chief Rich Balik

Tribune-Review | Friday, May 29, 2020 1:23 p.m.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

A flag symbolizing the courage of firefighters waves Friday as a P. David Newhouse Funeral Home worker opens the door to a hearse during a funeral service for Delmont fire Chief Rich Balik, 47, who died unexpectedly on May 23.

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.

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