Josh Jarman
The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
NEWARK, Ohio — One man has spent much of his life helping Newark firefighters at fires by bringing water and helping to refill air tanks.
The other saved a 1-year-old from a burning house moments before a gas can exploded.
Both Patrick Guanciale of Newark and Adam Trisler of Obetz will be honored today by Gov. Ted Strickland at an awards ceremony for firefighters and citizens who have contributed to fire services in the state.
Guanciale, 57, is a Newark real-estate agent and firefighting buff who for more than 20 years has done everything short of grab a fire hose to help local firefighters, Chief Jack Stickradt said.
“Pat’s one of those one-of-a-kind guys here in the community,” he said. “He does an outstanding job of helping out and making sure firefighters have what they need.”
Stickradt said Guanciale’s dog has even learned to distinguish between EMS and fire tones on the scanner and barks to wake him when there’s a fire call.
Guanciale, who will receive the William L. Howard award for public service, served on the state fire commission for about 16 years, including several years as its chairman.
He said growing up down the street from a fire station helped instill in him a lifelong appreciation for firefighters.
“I want to be helpful to them and not a burden,” he said. “If I’m sitting there at a fire and someone needs something, I get it for them” so the firefighters can concentrate on saving lives.
Guanciale was nominated by his son and business partner, who said his father’s selfless dedication to the fire department provided a valuable lesson for him.
“It’s a real good example,” Andrew Guanciale said. “And it’s not like he’s only dedicated to one thing. If he does anything, he does it 100 percent.”
Trisler’s heroic actions on the night of June 11, 2007, saved neighbor Cody Archer, who was a year old at the time.
“He certainly did risk his life, probably not knowing the danger,” said Hamilton Township Fire Chief Jerry Lupfer.
Trisler said he rushed over to help his neighbors escape flames that were climbing the first floor of the house. Cody, who had escaped the fire with his mother, was trying to get back into the house when Trisler scooped the child out of the front doorway.
Moments later, a 5-gallon gas can on the porch exploded from the heat.
“To be honest, I was scared to death,” Trisler said. “I have two children myself, and when you’re a parent, you just do what you have to do. It’s instinct.”
Copyright 2008 The Columbus Dispatch
All Rights Reserved