By Geraldine Gibbons
The Times-Tribune
DICKSON CITY, Pa. When fire broke out at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City in February, local fire departments, emergency crews and police rushed to the scene — battling not just flames, but freezing temperatures and concern for patient safety.
Now, those first responders are being honored with a Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage award for their professionalism and bravery. The award was created by the Burn Prevention Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network.
| EARLIER: Video: Roof fire causes late-night patient evacuation at Pa. hospital
Terry Osborne, Burn Prevention Network board chairman and former Scranton deputy fire chief, will present the award in a ceremony Nov. 5 at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Dickson City Fire Chief Richard Chowanec vividly recalls looking toward the hospital from his home just two minutes away. He initially saw what appeared to be a cloud, but as he drove toward the facility he realized it was smoke and immediately began calling for backup.
When Chowanec arrived at the hospital, he spotted flames coming from the attached orthopedic center and immediately upgraded the response.
What followed was a massive, multiagency effort to battle fire and smoke while safeguarding patients inside the connected facility. The situation demanded “swift judgment, disciplined coordination, and decisive action to protect both lives and infrastructure,” the Burn Prevention Network said in a statement.
“Through the extraordinary professionalism and collaboration of firefighters, EMS professionals, law enforcement officers, and hospital colleagues, a full hospital evacuation was executed, safely relocating more than 70 patients, including those receiving acute and intensive care,” the organization stated. “Patients were transferred directly from care areas to awaiting transport while continuity of care was maintained across the region.”
As patients were moved to safety, firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the main hospital building.
“Because of the calm, courage, and tireless commitment demonstrated by first responders, every patient, visitor, and team member was evacuated safely without injury,” BPN said. “Their actions stand as a powerful example of interagency coordination and lifesaving service under extreme pressure — heroes whose partnership made all the difference and whose actions we will never forget.”
One for the record books
Osborne noted that a hospital fire is always a chief’s worst nightmare because crews must balance fighting the blaze with protecting vulnerable patients.
Chowanec agreed.
“It was definitely one for the record books,” Chowanec said. “In 41 years, I have never seen anything of that magnitude, and I don’t think I’ll ever see another incident like that.”
He lauded the police and emergency medical personnel who kept patients safe and maintained scene control while firefighters tackled the blaze.
“We were focused on putting out the fire,” he said.
Chowanec said he is looking forward to traveling to Bethlehem with his fellow first responders to accept the award.
“It’s a tribute to all of the training and practice, showing how the command system really works,” he said. “We’re not often recognized for the work we do on a daily basis. I’m looking forward to it.”
Burn Prevention Network Chairman’s Award honorees
Fire departments:
Dickson City Fire Department
Blakely Hose Company #2
Chinchilla Hose Company 2, South Abington Twp .
Excelsior Hose Company #1
Eynon / Sturges Hose Company No. 3
Greenwood Hose Company 1
Volunteer Hose Company of Throop No. 3
Wilson Fire Company #1
EMS agencies:
•Lackawanna County
Pennsylvania Ambulance
Archbald Community Ambulance and Rescue Squad
Justus Volunteer Fire Company
Scott Twp. EMS
Jefferson Twp . Volunteer Ambulance Company
Moscow Ambulance
Covington Independent Fire Company
Chinchilla Hose Company EMS
Olyphant Ambulance & Rescue Squad
•Luzerne County
Hughestown Emergency Services
Pittston Twp . Ambulance Association
Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance
Trans-Med Ambulance
LVHN EMS – Hazleton
Geisinger EMS
•Susquehanna County
Forest City Area Emergency Services
•Wyoming County
Kunkle Ambulance
•Monroe County
Pocono Mountain Regional EMS
Police departments:
Pennsylvania State Police – Troop R
Dickson City Police Department
LVHN departments:
Emergency Medicine
Security
MedEvac
Transfer Center & Emergency Management
Region Leadership
Emergency Management
Emergency Communications
Patient Flow & Transfer Center
Supporting entities:
Northeast PA EMS Council
Northeast PA Healthcare Coalition
TowerDirect / Tower Health
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