State trooper honored for Unity fire rescue

A state trooper was honored Thursday by the Westmoreland County commissioners for rescuing a Unity family from their burning home.

Trooper Tony Anthony was on his way to work Jan. 5 when he spotted flames at a Donohoe Road house in Unity, not far from where he lives.

“Originally, I thought it was a bonfire until I saw the actual house,” he said. “The first thing that went through my mind was just getting the fire department and emergency services on the way.”

“It was the right place, the right time,” he said.

Because of his quick actions, the Miller family and their two dogs were able to safely escape. Jeffrey and Michelle Miller and their two sons, ages 2 and 4, had just gotten to sleep when they were awakened by someone pounding and kicking at their front door.

“They had a very, very strong front door,” Anthony said.

Before the fire department and other first responders got there, the Millers had escaped and Anthony went back inside a second time to retrieve the family’s two dogs with the help of one of the residents. It was hot and smoky but a situation Anthony said he always has to be prepared for in law enforcement.

He said he plans to meet with the family soon.

Commissioner Sean Kertes read a proclamation during Thursday’s commissioners meeting and commended Anthony’s actions. Kertes and Anthony were members of the 2005 graduating class of Hempfield Area High School.

“I think we all agree what Trooper Anthony did was very heroic,” Kertes said afterward. “He did his job by protecting and serving.”

Commissioners Doug Chew and Gina Cerilli Thrasher praised his quick thinking.

“We’re very lucky in Westmoreland County to have great first responders,” Thrasher said.