Altoona honors firefighters who rescued three from April dwelling fire; one occupant died

Altoona Mayor Pat Pacifico and City Council honored members of the Altoona Fire Department on June 8 for their response to a dwelling fire at 105 East 4th Avenue on April 26, during which three people were rescued and one occupant died.

"As a result of their actions that night, three individuals were successfully rescued from the burning structure," Fire Chief Adam Freeh said, describing the crew’s "courage, professionalism, and commitment to service." He said the incident presented a rapidly evolving, highly dangerous situation that required decisive action.

Chief Freeh announced that Captains Cameron Sunderland and Nicholas Wukovich would receive a life‑saving award and a valor award, respectively, and presented a unit citation to the responding crew, naming Assistant Chief Steve Osmolinski; Captains Brian Caldwell, Jeff Hall and Trent Miller; Firefighters Robert Seiler and Matt Roe; and Engineers Sean Dockenbaugh and Ben Parrish (one engineer’s surname was redacted in the transcript). The chief emphasized the awards acknowledge both the immediate actions at that incident and the routine training and preparation that enable such responses.

Council members praised the department’s work. "We're very blessed to have them," said a council member in response to the presentation, and several members noted firefighters were treated at the scene while colleagues continued rescue efforts.

The council’s recognition was presented as part of the agenda; the mayor and council thanked the recipients and moved on to other business.