HARRISBURG, Pa. - PA State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann released the following statement regarding a firefighter injury early Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23, at the State Fire Academy in Lewistown.
“At approximately 12:45 p.m., 47-year-old Adjunct Instructor Robert Gallardy was severely burned while leading a training exercise at the academy in Lewistown. Bob suffered severe burns over a large part of his body including his face and respiratory tract. Immediately after the incident, Bob was taken to Lewistown Hospital and later flown to the Lehigh Valley Burn Center for specialized care.”
“I am deeply saddened by this incident. Bob is a dear friend and an experienced firefighter. While details are still being gathered about what exactly happened, I can tell you that Bob is a 30-plus year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as a Captain with the City of Altoona Fire Department.”
“I have asked the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to investigate the accident and a full probe will be conducted this week. The Pennsylvania State Professional Firefighters Association and the Allentown Fire Department have been providing support to the family at the Lehigh Hospital. Please keep Bob and his family in your prayers.”