Rescued man expresses thanks to Charleroi Fire Department

After being pulled from a trench two weeks ago, he showed up at Monday’s firemen’s meeting.

Two weeks after being buried in a collapsed trench, the man at the center of one of Charleroi’s most intense rescue operations walked into the firehouse under his own power to thank the team who saved his life.

The Charleroi Fire Department welcomed him Monday night during their regular meeting, where he personally thanked every firefighter who responded that day.

The department, in turn, presented him with a Charleroi Fire Department challenge coin — an honor reserved for moments that matter, a small meaningful gesture that symbolizes honor, respect and survival.

Seeing the man on his feet again was a powerful reminder of what training, timing and teamwork can do.

Lives were on the line that day, but thanks to the quick actions of those on scene, a life was saved after five hours of coordinated effort by first responders from five counties.

The man had been trapped chestdeep in a trench estimated to be 14 to 15 feet deep on McKean Avenue — part of a sewer line excavation being completed by Frontier Heating & Cooling for Davies Ford.

Crews worked methodically to stabilize the trench with shoring equipment, using a vacuum truck and air compressor to remove the dense, clay-like soil around him.

Multiple collapses occurred during the operation, but the shoring held and after nearly five hours first responders were able to fit a harness around his waste and he slowly climbed out on his own, with minor injuries.

In a show of appreciation to the hometown heroes, food was donated for Monday’s meeting by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Car- CHARLEROI •A4

“(We) were very happy to see him up and moving. Just goes to show, teamwork and training save lives.”

ROBERT WHITEN JR.

FIRE CHIEF roll Township, Council President Kristen Hopkins, Councilman Jerry Jericho, Nancy Ellis and David Barbe. Those in attendance received more than dinner when the man they rescued walked in to join them.

“It was my pleasure to donate some wonderful homemade cookies, made by Nancy Anselmino of The Wedding Cookie Table Community, to the Charleroi Fire Department to celebrate the heroes who rescued a man from the collapsed trench two weeks ago,” Bartolotta said. “We are immeasurably grateful for your dedication to the community.”

She also thanked longtime friend Laura Magone, also of the WCTC for making the cards and cookie trays possible. She helped coordinate delivery of the treats while the senator is in Harrisburg working on the state budget.

Local officials have confirmed that Frontier Heating & Cooling Services, the company performing the excavation, did not file the required street opening permits from the borough or PennDOT Highway Occupancy permits.

OSHA investigators responded immediately to the scene and are conducting an investigation.

Citations are expected, but at the firehouse this week, the focus wasn’t on investigations — it was on survival, gratitude and a community that still shows up for each other.

“(We) were very happy to see him up and moving,” Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. said. “Just goes to show, teamwork and training save lives.”