Members of the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department were recognized for their bravery and life-saving efforts during two recent fatal fires in Robeson Township. The honors were presented during the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, May 12.
Firefighters were commended for their actions at two separate incidents: one on April 9 at 3260 Morgantown Road, and another on April 28 at 726 White Bear Road. Both fires involved reports of residents trapped inside, and Exeter crews played a vital role in the rescue and firefighting efforts.
At the Morgantown Road fire, Deputy Chief Matthew Eshenaur received the Distinguished Heroism Award for his actions upon arrival. Facing high heat and low visibility, Eshenaur forced entry through the front door and, with assistance from fellow firefighters, located and removed a victim from the home. He immediately began CPR before continuing firefighting efforts to search for additional victims and contain the fire.
In addition to Eshenaur’s recognition, the following Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department members received Unit Citation Awards for their collective efforts in search and rescue and fire suppression operations during the Morgantown Road incident: Steve Begley, Robert Hoover, Eric Lessig, Bill Marsden, Greg Moll, Josh Niziolek, John Painter Jr., Anthony Ricciuti, Jay Rhoads, Christian Sixtos-Flores, and Justin Shaffer.
A second Distinguished Heroism Award was presented to Barry Readinger, Brian Rhein, and Christian Sixtos-Flores for their actions during the White Bear Road fire on April 28. The three firefighters, who were working for the Robeson Township road crew when the call was dispatched, responded immediately. Despite not having Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or a hoseline, they entered the smoke-filled residence to assist in rescuing a trapped occupant. Once additional fire apparatus arrived, they donned SCBA gear and re-entered the building to rescue two more victims. All three firefighters sustained smoke inhalation injuries and were transported to Reading Hospital for treatment.
Unit Citation Awards were also given to the following members for their critical role in the White Bear Road response: Codey Eshenaur, Shayne Heist, Kenny Houck, Christopher Jordan, Eric Lessig, Rick Lombardo Jr., Troy Minner, Greg Moll, Anthony Ricciuti, Ricky Stoudt, and Sean Walter.
Several department members were recognized for “embodying the firefighter code of ethics in their commitment to serving the community,” according to the department’s announcement.