Fire Fighter Zachary Paris (Photo from Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services)
He was one of two fire fighters who perished fighting a house fire in Pennsylvania. .
The Frederick County Fire and Rescue Service is mourning one of its own. Fire Fighter Zachery Paris died Wednesday night fighting a three-alarm house fire in West Penn Township, Pennsylvania, where he serves with a volunteer fire company.
“There are no words to describe the sadness myself and members of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services are feeling today,” says Tom Coe, Chief of the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, in a statement. . “Not only was Zack someone who was living out his dream of being a career fire fighter, but he was also living out his dream as a family man. We often take for granted that fire fighters not only serve members of the community where they work, but many also selflessly contribute to the communities where they serve.”
Coe says Paris and another fire fighter, Marvin Gruber, both responded to the house fire in West Penn Township at around 4:00 PM on Wednesday. They both became trapped inside the home, and a mayday was called. Fellow first responders were able to get Paris and Gruber out of the burning house, and give them medical treatment. Both died at the scene.
Pennsylvania authorities say the two occupants of the home were able to get out safely. A body was also found outside of the home.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in this investigation.
Paris was 36-years-old, from New Tripoli, Pennsylvania. He joined Frederick County Fire and Rescue on February 28th, 2022 as part of Recruit Class 32. He graduated from the fire academy on September 10th, 2022, and was assigned to the Green Valley Fire Station as a member of C Shift.
Paris is survived by his wife, two daughters, a sister and his parents.
“Losing another one of our brothers, especially this time of year, is heartbreaking,” says Stephan Jones, President of Local 3666 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, in a statement. “We stand ready to support his wife and children during this tragic time.”
Details on Paris’ funeral service will be released at a later time, according to Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services.
By Kevin McManus