By David Mekeel
Reading Eagle
READING, Pa. — They were acts of bravery, of professionalism, of service.
Reviving medical patients in distress. Saving a woman from the dangers of a house fire. Responding to a call involving one of their own, and not allowing the emotions of the moment to impact their work.
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The Reading Fire Department honored several of its own for their actions over the last year during its annual Medal Day ceremony on Saturday.
“In the eyes of the department, they went above and beyond,” Chief James Stoudt Jr . said, adding that there were likely even more individuals deserving of recognition.
The following received awards:
Departmental letter of commendation
- Lt. Zachary Adams
- Paramedic Nichole McClintock
- Pre-hospital registered nurse Shay Lugo
Adams, McClintock and Lugo were honored for actions demonstrated during a medical emergency.
They were called to the 300 block of Penn Street on Dec. 27 and found a sedated patient at a medical office who was unattended. Despite pushback from office staff, they assertively and professionally advocated for the patient’s well-being and legal rights.
Lifesaving award
- Lt. Michael Grow
- Paramedic Travis Martin
- EMT Jesiah Newsome
- EMT Bradley Shanaman
- Paramedic Brian Szabo
Grow, Martin, Newsome, Shanaman and Szabo responded to a call in the 300 block of Penn Street on Jan. 27 for a person in cardiac arrest.
When an automatic external defibrillator was unable to revive the patient, the emergency responders used aggressive advanced care to resuscitate the patient.
Departmental letter of commendation
- EMT George Mortimer
On Feb. 9 , Mortimer responded to a house fire at a three-story rowhome in the 900 block of North 11th Street . He saw a woman seated on the front porch, with fire visible through the window behind her.
Mortimer lifted her off the porch and placed her on the sidewalk, just moments before the window shattered and the porch caught fire.
Mortimer then helped battle the blaze.
Departmental letter of commendation
- Paramedic Nichole McClintock
- EMT Thomas English
McClintock and English were dispatched to Hanley Place on Dec. 5 for a report of a male patient in distress. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they immediately began advanced life support interventions.
When they arrived at a local hospital, McClintock and English advocated for rapid intervention for the patient. The patient was found to have an extremely critical life-threatening emergency and was flown to a more advanced facility for treatment.
Unit citation
- Deputy Chief Michael Sninsky
- Lt. Jason Batz
- Paramedic Robert Schoellkopf
- EMT Garry Clarke
- EMT Justin Benner
- EMT Michael Schlouch
- Steven Trupe (civilian service)
Fire and EMS units were called to the 1400 block of Palm Street on April 28 for a report of a 68-year-old male in cardiac arrest.
Those responding quickly recognized the address and realized they would be responding to render aid to one of their own — retired firefighter Keith “Sarge” Eschleman. Despite the deep personal connection to the call and the emotions it stirred, the crew worked professionally and compassionately.
Despite their lifesaving efforts, Eschleman passed away.
Fire chief’s award
The fire chief’s award was given posthumously to retired firefighter Keith “Sarge” Eschleman.
Eschleman served the department with distinction for decades as a highly decorated and respected firefighter. He was known for his professionalism and unwavering commitment to his craft, his fellow firefighters and paramedics.
Throughout his career, Eschleman also took great pride in coordinating and officiating a variety of ceremonial events, including the annual Medal Day ceremony.
Eschleman passed away on April 28. His award was presented to members of his family, including his wife, Sharon.
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