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Berwyn honors 21 firefighters for response to BP gas‑station explosion; no injuries reported
Summary
The council recognized 21 members of the Berwyn Fire Department for their response to a July 24 explosion at a BP station on Hagen Avenue; officials said crews contained fires, ventilated an endangered restaurant and prevented further explosions during a multi‑hour incident.
The Berwyn City Council formally commended 21 members of the Berwyn Fire Department for their response to an explosion at the BP gas station at 6749 Hagen Avenue on July 24, 2025.
Fire Chief Coniglio described a rapidly escalating incident in which a high‑voltage power line arcing on the ground ignited an underground gas line, and subsequent events culminated in a large explosion that leveled the gas station. "Their quick action set the tone for what would become a five‑hour long battle to protect lives and property," Chief Coniglio said, praising crews for evacuating civilians, contacting utility firms and securing gasoline pumps.
The nut graf: Council and fire officials said decisive on‑scene actions prevented injuries and likely a second catastrophic explosion when firefighters discovered high natural‑gas levels inside a restaurant next to the station and ventilated the structure.
Chief Coniglio named incident command and company officers for their roles. Battalion Chief Michael Lyons was commended for coordinating with ComEd and Nicor and for managing alarm upgrades and incoming units; Division Chief Robert Pilch was praised for communications support; and Division Chief Scott Waszak served as safety officer and lead investigator during the post‑incident analysis.
Responding companies and individuals acknowledged by the council included Engine 902 (Lieutenant Bridal O'Brien, Engineer Timothy Berwick, Firefighter Ryan Denson); Engine 903 (Lieutenant Fred Basadula, Engineer Jason Walker, Firefighter Roger Connolly); Truck 904 (Acting Lieutenant Daniel Simic, Acting Engineer Adrian Contreras, Firefighters Spencer Hill, James Hernandez, Thomas Monorano); Ambulance 906 (Firefighter‑Paramedics Thomas Schlesinger and Michael Jacobs); and Engine 901/Ambulance 905 crews (Lieutenant Derek Majeris, Acting Engineer Joseph Geppeta, Firefighter Lorraine Seneca, Firefighter Fabiola Amisqua, Firefighter‑Paramedic Tom Jairos). The mayor and council presented awards and asked those named to step forward.
Ending: Council minutes record the motion to honor the department recommendation and the unanimous adoption of the commendation; officials said no civilian or responder injuries were reported during the incident.
