ALLENTOWN, Pa. — It was celebratory and at times somber.
The Allentown Fire Department Awards ceremony for 2024 on Monday reflected on a year that had seen responses to multiple large fires and the loss of appreciated members of the department.
The bulk of the ceremony was dedicated to the honoring of units, firefighters and EMS for their actions over the past year.
Actions at active fire scenes over the past year — such as a massive row-home fire on 7th Street in Allentown, an apartment building fire on Hamilton St. and a row-home fire on 16th street that displaced 2 — were given commendations and awards, along with recognition of heroism and service to dozens of department members.
"Your commitment and dedication to the citizens of Allentown is truly remarkable, whether you choose to call yourselves heroes or not."Allentown Fire Chief Efrain Agosto
"Most first responders, no matter what type of situation they must deal with, will say they are not a hero," Chief Efrain Agosto said.
"They are just doing their job. And while we are here to recognize the actions of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, such as all today's awards winners, I would be remiss if I did not express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the entire Allentown Fire Department.
"Your commitment and dedication to the citizens of Allentown is truly remarkable, whether you choose to call yourselves heroes or not."
The "largest academy class ever" of about 40 people this past year with 18 hires made also was celebrated.
Fallen firefighters honored
The ceremony also honored firefighters who had died in the past year: William Wise, William Thompson, Robert Schoedler, Walter Niedermeyer, Michael DeLuca Jr., Ralph Dietrich and Jeffrey Tomczak.
A special dedication was made to Fire Marshal Jeffrey A Tomczak, who died this year from operational cancer.
Tomczak's family was given the Martin E. Pierce line of duty death commemorative medal of honor, which officials described as "the highest award that is presented to survivors of International Association of Firefighters members who make the ultimate sacrifice in our profession."
Tomczak will be recognized next year at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs.
Judge, the beloved arson K-9 who died this year, also was listed alongside fallen firefighters.
The EMS Chiefs Award was given to EMS Training, Education, and Events Coordinator Scott Brokaw.
Paramedic of the Year was given to Andre Harris, who Chief of EMS Operations Mehmet Barzev said, "exemplifies himself with consistent and dedicated work habits and patient care."
Local officials including U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, Allentown City Council President Cynthia Mota and Vice President Daryl Hendricks, state reps. Michael Schlossberg and Milou Mackenzie, and Allentown Communications Manager Genesis Ortega were in attendance.
'Don't end up a statistic'
The Fire Department Chiefs Award was given to Assistant Chief of Training Matt Eharth, who was master of ceremonies for the bulk of the ceremonies.
The Alfred W. Fischl Fire Service Award for exemplary members with more than 20 years of experience was delivered to 22-year firefighter and Allentown native Capt. Trevor Beers.
"Allentown isn't different from any other city. City residents have died because they didn't have any detectors or chose to take them down because they were making a noise. So please don't end up being a year-end statistic."Allentown Fire Prevention Chief Michael Zellin
Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Henry Cochran, noted as a dependable mentor for junior firefighters with unmatched commitment.
"He has been a driving force on many operations, including fires, vehicle rescues and water rescues this past year in particular," Agosto said.
"This individual excels as a motivated instructor, bringing young energy daily, which was much needed for the busiest academy class that we have ever had."
"As a firefighter, he has become someone to be relied upon by his peers and up to by junior firefighters. He is considered to be an all-around outstanding firefighter and an integral member of the Allentown Fire Department."
Fire Prevention Chief Michael Zellin also highlighted the 2024 National Fire Prevention Week theme of "Smoke Alarms: Make them Work for You!" which seeks to educate about the importance of keeping fire alarms active and effective in homes.
"Allentown isn't different from any other city," Zellin said. "City residents have died because they didn't have any detectors or chose to take them down because they were making a noise.
"So please don't end up being a year-end statistic."
