Post by AC9A on Oct 25, 2005 6:05:07 GMT -5
LEWISTOWN, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania fire officer severely burned during a training exercise Sunday remains in critical condition in a burn unit.
Altoona Fire Capt. Robert Gallardy, 47, was found in the basement of a structure at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy about 12:45 p.m. suffering extensive burns to his body, including his face, reports indicate.
He was initially taken to a local hospital, but later flown to the Lehigh Valley Burn Unit in Bethlehem. His respiratory system was compromised by the burns, said Altoona Assistant Chief Greg Epple.
The incident occurred as Gallardy, who was working alone was preparing for a live burn, the final exercise in a suppression instructor development class
Capt. Gallardy, an adjunct instructor, has been involved in the fire service for the past 30 years. Prior to employment with Altoona Fire Dept., he was a volunteer in nearby Cambria County, Chief Epple said. “He was just recently promoted to captain,” he said. “Bob’s a really nice guy…”
A critical incident stress debriefing team met with firefighters at the academy on Sunday, said Justin Fleming, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
An investigation is underway to determine what went wrong at the training academy.
A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Occupation, Safety and Health said that agency is not involved in the probe.
Chief Epple said a representative from the Altoona Fire Department is staying at the hospital with the captain’s family. “He’s keeping us informed. Right now, it’s a waiting game.”
Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann said in a prepared statement Monday: “I am deeply sadden by this incident. Bob is a dear friend and an experienced firefighter…”
*from firehouse.com*
Altoona Fire Capt. Robert Gallardy, 47, was found in the basement of a structure at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy about 12:45 p.m. suffering extensive burns to his body, including his face, reports indicate.
He was initially taken to a local hospital, but later flown to the Lehigh Valley Burn Unit in Bethlehem. His respiratory system was compromised by the burns, said Altoona Assistant Chief Greg Epple.
The incident occurred as Gallardy, who was working alone was preparing for a live burn, the final exercise in a suppression instructor development class
Capt. Gallardy, an adjunct instructor, has been involved in the fire service for the past 30 years. Prior to employment with Altoona Fire Dept., he was a volunteer in nearby Cambria County, Chief Epple said. “He was just recently promoted to captain,” he said. “Bob’s a really nice guy…”
A critical incident stress debriefing team met with firefighters at the academy on Sunday, said Justin Fleming, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
An investigation is underway to determine what went wrong at the training academy.
A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Occupation, Safety and Health said that agency is not involved in the probe.
Chief Epple said a representative from the Altoona Fire Department is staying at the hospital with the captain’s family. “He’s keeping us informed. Right now, it’s a waiting game.”
Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann said in a prepared statement Monday: “I am deeply sadden by this incident. Bob is a dear friend and an experienced firefighter…”
*from firehouse.com*
