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Pa. assistant fire chief, EMT dies from COVID-19

Pioneer Hose Company #1 Assistant Fire Chief Robert Zerman may have contracted the virus while responding to a medical call last month, officials said

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By Laura French

ROBESONIA, Pa. — A Pennsylvania assistant fire chief, EMT and 911 dispatcher died last week due to COVID-19.

Pioneer Hose Company #1 Assistant Fire Chief Robert Zerman, 49, died Thursday and was honored with a procession of emergency vehicles on Friday. More than two dozen agencies participated in the procession.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=275371023478656

Zerman was previously an EMT for Western Berks Ambulance and volunteered with Newmanstown Ambulance Co., Northern Berks EMS and Berks County 911, according to a statement from the Western Berks Ambulance Association. Prior to joining Pioneer Hose Company #1, he served as deputy chief at the Western Berks Fire Department.

Western Berks Ambulance Association CEO Anthony Tucci told WFMZ that Zerman is believed to have contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty. A statement from the association said Zerman tested positive after responding to a medical assist call for Pioneer Hose Company #1 in March.

Zerman is survived by two sons, two grandchildren and two brothers, according to his obituary.

https://www.facebook.com/WesternBerksFD/photos/a.746369992156132/2784416791684765/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBjtlt3RGILGtLLbzs-B0PaCTqih4FHbYVqwJ8BgJA1g6ZCqZ2i3Jdlh3RwSOVkfJozxc06k6iUt44UTknbr4okJksTbKvhl_evzcB-bOTBtTo4TTs4MZis_j7WLXRd3wu13VjEY8nSZXDdeCkKvdUrSbdXpEiDHrPCocX-yDRNRaS1I1ZWfhX_h8hR5X8tIZnDmL0PHqzYBbnbVmlLMu8EThSFpQHp6TVtnsXyhM5M3PlIz2P-Ew-lu-rsf51eJ4LEX36Rjw2GFNl0FTuq5u0TXZ8BsVYygM7oEaw4-FPvaA1RYvwHNhWLyTnP4SL6yMmmBGuelGrGF5NqWDjxLYio0g&__tn__=-R