| Several Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department members were recognized for their heroic, selfless actions at two recent fatal fires in Robeson Township during the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors meeting held on Monday, May 12. These members were honored for embodying the firefighter code of ethics in their commitment to serving the community.
Below is an overview of the members who were recognized and their actions at each incident.
Incident:
3260 Morgantown Road
Robeson Township, PA
Distinguished Heroism Award – Matthew Eshenaur
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 1:09 a.m., the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department (Company 25) was dispatched to a reported structure fire with entrapment to assist the Gibraltar Fire Company. Initial reports indicated at least two people trapped in their home. Deputy Chief Matthew Eshenaur arrived on the scene and after a scene size-up went to the front door of the residence. While forcing the front door of the residence he was met with high heat and low visibility. Deputy Chief Eshenuar, with the assistance of other firefighters located one victim inside the front doorway, removed the victim, and began CPR. Once the victim was removed, Deputy Chief Eshenaur continued his firefighting efforts to try and locate additional victims and extinguish the fire.
Unit Citation Award
Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene and immediately started with fire suppression operations and search and rescue operations. Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department crews were instrumental in the removal of two victims and extinguishment of the fire.
• Steve Begley
• Matthew Eshenaur
• Robert Hoover
• Eric Lessig
• Bill Marsden
• Greg Moll
• Josh Niziolek
• John Painter Jr.
• Anthony Ricciuti
• Jay Rhoads
• Christian Sixtos-Flores
• Justin Shaffer
Incident:
726 White Bear Road
Robeson Township, PA
Distinguished Heroism Award - Barry Readinger, Brian Rhein and Christian Sixtos-Flores
On Monday, April 28, 2025 at 6:22 a.m., the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with entrapment to assist the Gibraltar Fire Company. Initial reports indicated that people were trapped in their home. Deputy Chief Brian Rhein, Lieutenant Christian Sixtos-Flores and Firefighter Barry Readinger were working for the Robeson Township road crew when the call was dispatched. The three members immediately grabbed their firefighting gear and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they were met with heavy fire and smoke conditions. Knowing there were trapped occupants and without the protection of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or a hoseline, they entered the smoke-filled residence to assist with rescuing one trapped occupant and search for two others. Once the first fire apparatus arrived, the three firefighters donned SCBA and entered the residence to rescue two additional victims. All three of the firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to Reading Hospital for treatment.
Unit Citation Award
Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene and immediately started with fire suppression operations and search and rescue operations. Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department crews were instrumental in the removal of three victims and extinguishment of the fire.
• Codey Eshenaur
• Shayne Heist
• Kenny Houck
• Christopher Jordan
• Eric Lessig
• Rick Lombardo Jr.
• Troy Minner
• Greg Moll
• Barry Readinger
• Anthony Ricciuti
• Brian Rhein
• Christian Sixtos-Flores
• Ricky Stoudt
• Sean Walter |
