By Steven M. Sweeney
The Erie Times-News
HARBORCREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Black cloth hangs from the Lawrence Park Township fire station where those who knew Michael D. Crotty mourn his death in the line of duty.

Crotty, a deputy fire chief for Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department and also a recently hired Erie Bureau of Fire firefighter, was killed Tuesday afternoon while commanding the scene of a blaze at Port Erie Plastics, 909 Troupe Road in Harborcreek Township. Firefighters from nine departments, including Lawrence Park, were called to the scene at 3:54 p.m.

The fire consumed several stacks of wood and plastic skids stored outside and used for moving large quantities of material. According to Lawrence Park fire officials, Crotty was on the ground directing firefighters at the plant site when the department's aerial truck's ladder "malfunctioned," causing Crotty's fatal injuries. They did not elaborate.

Full story: Firefighter killed