A multi-agency state team has been honored with the Governor’s Awards for Excellence for its response to the explosion at a Bristol Township longterm care facility.
Advertisements
The award recognizes state workers who responded to the Dec. 23, 2025, explosion at the Silver Lake Nursing Home and Bristol Health and Rehab Center. The Tower Road facility housed 174 beds.
Following the fatal blast, staff from four state agencies coordinated with area responders to evacuate and transfer all displaced residents.
In less than 10 hours, every resident was relocated to alternate healthcare facilities by midnight to secure housing and ongoing care.
Advertisements
Nine state employees received the award. From the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Jason Godin, Christopher Confalone, Jeryl DeGideo, and Carolyn Rivera were honored. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services staff members Devon Heberlig and Randolph Nolen received awards. Pennsylvania Department of Aging staffer Margaret Barajas and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) officials Jeffrey Hunsicker and Eric Rickenbach were also honored.
Upon assessing the scope of the explosion, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and PEMA dispatched personnel directly to the scene to assist Bucks County and township responders. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also worked alongside PEMA within the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center to maintain communications and state-level coordination.
Advertisements
At the same time, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services staff organized transportation for residents along with their personal belongings.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s State ombudsman fielded incoming calls and joined officials to retrieve personal items left inside the explosion- and fire-damaged building.
State officials commended the inter-agency response to the explosion that made national headlines.
Advertisements
“In the face of a true emergency, this team sprang into action immediately,” Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said. “I am so proud of the work, diligence, and compassion of these employees who traveled to be on-site to offer assistance and peace of mind to their fellow Pennsylvanians—both partners in the response and residents who needed a safe haven.”
PEMA Director Randy Padfield said that the operation showed “the very best of Pennsylvania’s emergency management, health, and human services teams working together.”
Advertisements
“PEMA staff worked with our fellow state agency partners, county, and local responders to assist with coordination of resources, sharing of critical information, and ensuring residents were safely relocated in a matter of hours,” Padfield said.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh called the inter-agency effort “the definition of collaboration in a crisis,” adding that staff acted quickly and with kindness.
Advertisements
Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich praised the ombudsman teams and partner agencies for ensuring older adults and their families remained supported and informed after suddenly losing their home.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence recognize state workers for exemplary performance, initiative, leadership, innovation, or efficiency.
Advertisements
A total of 83 employees across 17 state agencies were awarded for achievements in 2025, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office.
