Those who braced harsh conditions last month were honored for their bravery and service in the January 8 silo collapse and recovery mission in Bristol Township.
The collapse, which brought out firefighters and first responders from throughout Lower Bucks County, took the life of 48-year-old Bristol Township resident Tony Gabriele, who was working at the facility and was the only one not accounted for at the time of the collapse.
Advertisements
Bristol Township Council took the time Thursday night to honor the brave men and women who acted quickly and tirelessly to uncover the man from the wreckage back in January. Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito told council on Thursday, to the best of his knowledge, it is the first ever mission of it’s kind in the nation.
The mission began when Bristol Twp. Police Officer Pete Hollenczer noticed the area along Radcliffe Street unusually dark. When Hollenczer discovered the silo had collapsed, he immediately requested fire department response.
Edgely Fire Company, Levittown Fire Company #2, Tullytown Fire Company and Fairless Hills Fire Company were the initial responders. In total, apparatus and firefighters from 22 fire companies, three rescue squads, a technical rescue team with two physicans, and fire police responded to the incident. The Edgely Fire Company remained on scene for the totality of the mission.
Advertisements
According to officials, crews worked for 86 hours on-site, in hazardous conditions to recover Gabriele’s body. Those who took part were given certificates of commendation.
