The heroic and self-sacrificing actions of Lower Burrell firefighters, police officers and residents during a June house fire in the city were recognized by city council.

On June 18, crews across the Alle-Kiski Valley were dispatched to the 170 block of Jefferson Drive in Lower Burrell for a house fire that ended up gutting the home.

Council last week recognized Lt. Zachary Shoop and firefighter Justin Schneider, both of Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3; Patrolman Vincent Sekanick of the Lower Burrell Police Department; and resident Randy Bargerstock for their efforts responding to the fire.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that what these individuals and this citizen did saved lives that day — there’s no doubt in my mind,” said Brennan Sites, chief of Lower Burrell VFC No. 3. “And that’s what we’re here to do, but they went above and beyond.”

Mayor John Andrejcik said Bargerstock, who lives behind the home that burned, noticed the blaze and went inside the structure — without protective fire equipment or a breathing apparatus — to assist in rescuing the two people that were in the home.

“I’m an honorary fireman in Arnold, so it was a natural reaction,” Bargerstock said.

He complimented the work of Lower Burrell’s fire and police crews, and the surrounding agencies that came in to assist putting out the blaze.

Bargerstock displayed “a high level of bravery and selflessness,” Andrejcik said.

Councilwoman Brandy Grieff recalled that Shoop was driving down Leechburg Road in his own vehicle that afternoon and noticed a large amount of black smoke, which led him to investigate. Upon arrival, Shoop saw the residents were still inside.

Like Bargerstock, Shoop entered the building without personal protective clothing or a breathing apparatus.

Shoop found the residents and removed them from the burning home. After getting outside, helearned some residents reentered the house, leading him to again risk his own well-being and safety by going back in, Grieff said.

Grieff remembered listening to the 911 call and hearing Shoop coughing and gasping for air, causing her to briefly get emotional. She said Shoop’s actions demonstrated a high level of bravery and sacrifice.

“I cannot say enough about the bravery displayed not only on June 18, but daily,” Grieff said. “Thank you … for your unwavering selflessness.”

Schneider was assigned to cover the interior fire attack. The fire quickly became more dangerous and started to spread, Grieff said. Schneider risked his own safety when he noticed another firefighter go the wrong direction in the house. Schneider went to locate the disoriented firefighter and took him to safety.

His actions demonstrated both fearlessness and teamwork, Grieff said.

Sekanick was one of three city police officers who responded. Once he arrived, he risked his own safety and assisted Shoop on the second time entering the home to help evacuate the residence, Grieff said. Sekanick assisted firefighters, which greatly helped the situation, she added.

While those four were recognized with official city proclamations, all who responded should be commended, Andrejcik said.

“To the citizens, you came out and you always come out,” Sites said. “The support you gave us that day and afterwards, with your texts, your calls, dropping (off) water, you have no idea what that does for us and how that energizes us as first responders.

“So again, I’m very proud to know all these gentlemen, and what they did, and I’m very proud to be the chief of this department.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)