Gov. Josh Shapiro awarded the inaugural Keystone First Responder Awards on Monday to 12 Pennsylvanians who displayed outstanding bravery and dedication in law enforcement, fire, correction, and EMS roles.
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Among those honored was Trooper Martin “Marty” Mack III, of Bristol Borough, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2022.
The ceremony recognized individuals who were either killed or suffered career-ending injuries while serving their communities.
In his comments, Shapiro pointed to the critical role of emergency responders in ensuring public safety.
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“Every day, thousands of dedicated public servants go to work to protect the good people of Pennsylvania, putting their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities. I am honored to award these twelve Pennsylvania heroes with the inaugural Keystone First Responder Awards, recognizing them for their service and sacrifice,” said the governor.
The awards come after the law establishing them, Act 11 of 2024, was signed by Shapiro on May 8, 2024. Nominations were collected earlier this year through an online form managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).
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“We are so proud of the work our first responders do across this Commonwealth to keep Pennsylvanians safe, day and night,” said Padfield. “Our first responders willingly race into dangerous situations to help their neighbors on their worst day, and sadly some of them never make it home to their families again or are unable to continue to work in their chosen profession because of injuries they sustained in the line of duty. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices they made in the name of public service.”
Eight law enforcement officers were posthumously awarded, including Mack. Also recognized were Sgt. Christopher D. Fitzgerald of Temple University, Lt. William D. Lebo of the City of Lebanon, Chief Justin McIntire of Brackenridge, Sgt. Richard Carrero Mendez of Philadelphia, Trooper Jacques F. “Jay” Rougeau, Jr., Trooper Branden Sisca, and Officer Sean L. Sluganski of McKeesport.
Mack, 33, and Sisca, 29, of Montgomery County, were killed when an intoxicated woman slammed into a parked state police patrol SUV on I-95 southbound by the stadium complex in Philadelphia as they secured a pedestrian – Reyes Rivera Oliveras, 28, of Allentown – who was on the highway just before 1 a.m. on March 21, 2022. The intoxicated driver is now serving prison time.
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The ceremony also honored two firefighters from the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, Assistant Chief Zachary T. A. Paris and Firefighter Marvin Gruber, who died fighting a fire in a home.
“The bravery and dedication of Assistant Chief Zachary Paris and Firefighter Marvin Gruber embody the true spirit of the fire service. They responded to the call to protect their community, knowing the dangers they faced and putting their own lives on the line in service to others,” said Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook.
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Paramedic Nicholas A. Theofilis of Penn Hills EMS received a posthumous award for his dedicated service in emergency medical care.
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen remembered Theofilis’ sacrifice and noted the crucial role EMS professionals play.
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Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Officer James Britton, Jr. was also honored for his service after suffering a career-ending injury.
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