SOUTH STRABANE, Pa. — A local man was recognized Tuesday for his bravery in stopping the spread of a fire at a Washington County senior living facility.
We told you last week that a unit within the Thomas Campbell apartments in South Strabane Township caught fire. A 68-year-old woman, who was alone when the fire began, died.
But, officials say the fire could have been worse. Between safety upgrades and the bravery of maintenance worker Lester Parillo, the fire was under control in just 90 seconds.
“Without regard for his own safety, he placed himself in harm’s way to rapidly locate and extinguish a fire, thereby saving lives, property and preventing further tragedy,” a member of South Strabane Emergency Management said Tuesday about Parillo.
Firefighters previously told Channel 11 that Parillo went to the fire alarm panel, grabbed a fire extinguisher, then ran to the apartment and emptied the extinguisher into the room.
Parillo received a Certificate of Valor. Apartment management was also recognized for investing millions toward safety after a 2021 fire that displaced 50 residents.
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