{"id":298492,"date":"2026-10-02T17:46:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T17:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/298492\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T17:46:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T17:46:07","slug":"first-responders-earn-honors-for-response-to-dickson-city-hospital-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/298492\/","title":{"rendered":"First responders earn honors for response to Dickson City hospital fire"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When fire broke out at Lehigh Valley Hospital\u2013Dickson City in February, local fire departments, emergency crews and police rushed to the scene \u2014 battling not just flames, but freezing temperatures and concern for patient safety.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire01_da53bf.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire07_664fe9.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire08_259040194.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire06_259040170.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire02_df1ba4.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire05_259040192.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire02_259040236.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire01_259040238.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire03_259040186.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes-tribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/TMC-L-LehighValleyHospitalDickersonFire04_259040232.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 10<\/p>\n<p>Crews rush to a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City at about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2026. Authorities on Thursday morning continued to investigate the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City that sent flames shooting from the roof and required the evacuation of 77 patients relocated to other area hospitals. (COLIN GILDEA\/NEPA Fire Photography)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>When Chowanec arrived at the hospital, he spotted flames coming from the attached orthopedic center and immediately upgraded the response.<\/p>\n<p>What followed was a massive, multiagency effort to battle fire and smoke while safeguarding patients inside the connected facility. The situation demanded \u201cswift judgment, disciplined coordination, and decisive action to protect both lives and infrastructure,\u201d the Burn Prevention Network said in a statement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThrough 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,\u201d the organization stated. \u201cPatients were transferred directly from care areas to awaiting transport while continuity of care was maintained across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As patients were moved to safety, firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the main hospital building.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause of the calm, courage, and tireless commitment demonstrated by first responders, every patient, visitor, and team member was evacuated safely without injury,\u201d BPN said. \u201cTheir actions stand as a powerful example of interagency coordination and lifesaving service under extreme pressure \u2014 heroes whose partnership made all the difference and whose actions we will never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One for the record books<\/p>\n<p>Osborne noted that a hospital fire is always a chief\u2019s worst nightmare because crews must balance fighting the blaze with protecting vulnerable patients.<\/p>\n<p>Chowanec agreed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was definitely one for the record books,\u201d Chowanec said. \u201cIn 41 years, I have never seen anything of that magnitude, and I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever see another incident like that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He lauded the police and emergency medical personnel who kept patients safe and maintained scene control while firefighters tackled the blaze.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were focused on putting out the fire,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Chowanec said he is looking forward to traveling to Bethlehem with his fellow first responders to accept the award.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a tribute to all of the training and practice, showing how the command system really works,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re not often recognized for the work we do on a daily basis. I\u2019m looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Burn Prevention Network Chairman\u2019s Award honorees<\/p>\n<p>Fire departments:<\/p>\n<p>Dickson City Fire Department<\/p>\n<p>Blakely Hose Company #2<\/p>\n<p>Chinchilla Hose Company 2, South Abington Twp.<\/p>\n<p>Excelsior Hose Company #1<\/p>\n<p>Eynon\/Sturges Hose Company No. 3<\/p>\n<p>Greenwood Hose Company 1<\/p>\n<p>Volunteer Hose Company of Throop No. 3<\/p>\n<p>Wilson Fire Company #1<\/p>\n<p>EMS agencies:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Lackawanna County<\/p>\n<p>Pennsylvania Ambulance<\/p>\n<p>Archbald Community Ambulance and Rescue Squad<\/p>\n<p>Justus Volunteer Fire Company<\/p>\n<p>Scott Twp. EMS<\/p>\n<p>Jefferson Twp. Volunteer Ambulance Company<\/p>\n<p>Moscow Ambulance<\/p>\n<p>Covington Independent Fire Company<\/p>\n<p>Chinchilla Hose Company EMS<\/p>\n<p>Olyphant Ambulance &amp; Rescue Squad<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Luzerne County<\/p>\n<p>Hughestown Emergency Services<\/p>\n<p>Pittston Twp. Ambulance Association<\/p>\n<p>Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance<\/p>\n<p>Trans-Med Ambulance<\/p>\n<p>LVHN EMS \u2013 Hazleton<\/p>\n<p>Geisinger EMS<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Susquehanna County<\/p>\n<p>Forest City Area Emergency Services<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Wyoming County<\/p>\n<p>Kunkle Ambulance<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Monroe County<\/p>\n<p>Pocono Mountain Regional EMS<\/p>\n<p>Police departments:<\/p>\n<p>Pennsylvania State Police \u2013 Troop R<\/p>\n<p>Dickson City Police Department<\/p>\n<p>LVHN departments:<\/p>\n<p>Emergency Medicine<\/p>\n<p>Security<\/p>\n<p>MedEvac<\/p>\n<p>Transfer Center &amp; Emergency Management<\/p>\n<p>Region Leadership<\/p>\n<p>Emergency Management<\/p>\n<p>Emergency Communications<\/p>\n<p>Patient Flow &amp; Transfer Center<\/p>\n<p>Supporting entities:<\/p>\n<p>Northeast PA EMS Council<\/p>\n<p>Northeast PA Healthcare Coalition<\/p>\n<p>TowerDirect \/ Tower Health<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When fire broke out at Lehigh Valley Hospital\u2013Dickson City in February, local fire departments, emergency crews and police&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":298493,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[202,1099,201,182,803,139,28,178,180,179,181],"class_list":["post-298492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-scranton","tag-crime-and-public-safety","tag-dickson-city","tag-lackawanna-county","tag-local-news","tag-luzerne-county","tag-news","tag-pennsylvania","tag-scranton","tag-scranton-headlines","tag-scranton-news","tag-top-stories-stt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/298492","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=298492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/298492\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/298493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=298492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=298492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=298492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}