10/12/2026
🚒🏅 ALLENTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT | 2026 AWARDS CEREMONY 🏅🚒
A day of honor, pride, recognition, and remembrance as the Allentown Fire Department gathered for its 2026 Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony recognized the bravery, dedication, accomplishments, and years of service. From heroic rescues and major fire incidents to outstanding community service, the ceremony highlighted the commitment these first responders demonstrate every day.
🏅 CERTIFICATES OF HEROISM
Several members were recognized for their heroic actions during emergency incidents throughout the city and surrounding communities.
🚨 Emery Street Fire with Rescue
* Lieutenant Michael Matchette
* Firefighter Steven Costa
* Firefighter Daniel Messina
* Firefighter Sean Boland
* Firefighter Robert Petrusky
🚨 Susquehanna Street House Fire with Rescue
* Lieutenant Christopher Groller
* Firefighter Kevin Jefferson
🚨 Mutual Aid Fire – Whitehall Township
* Deputy Chief Vincent Kidd
* Firefighter Leonard Waller
* Firefighter Samual Vassallo Jr.
🚨 Chew Street Pediatric Emergency
* Deputy Chief Vincent Kidd
* Lieutenant Michael Matchette
🚒 UNIT CITATIONS
Numerous members of the Allentown Fire Department and Allentown EMS received Unit Citations for their teamwork and coordinated efforts during significant incidents.
Among those recognized were members who responded to the Front Street 6-Alarm Fire, one of the major incidents highlighted during the ceremony.
Additional Unit Citations recognized personnel for their response to a structure fire and the Highland Street House Fire with Animal Rescue.
🏅 CERTIFICATES OF MERIT
Certificates of Merit were presented to members whose dedication and contributions went above and beyond.
Low-Pressure Hose Nozzle Acquisition and Training
* Captain Tim Bruce
* Lieutenant Henry Cochran
* Lieutenant Devin Grow
* Lieutenant Michael Matchette
* Firefighter James Soccodato
Chew Street Pediatric Emergency
* Assistant Chief Philip Banks
* Paramedic Brock Dolton
* Paramedic Stacy Vibbert
* Paramedic Student Tatiana Perez
* Captain Mark Trumbore
* Firefighter Andrew Kloss
* Firefighter James Soccodato
Additional Certificates of Merit were presented to Paramedics Christopher Sholley and Michael Bruneio.
🚒 2026 ALLENTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS
The ceremony recognized members who have advanced into new leadership positions within the department.
Congratulations to:
* Deputy Chief Vincent Kidd
* Captain Tim Bruce
* Lieutenant Henry Cochran
* Lieutenant Tyler Mastria
* Lieutenant Devin Grow
* Lieutenant Nick Murray
* Lieutenant Brandon Wentz
* Fire Marshal Theodore Dale
🎖️ YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNITION
The ceremony also celebrated the dedication of members who have reached significant career milestones.
25 Years of Service
* Lieutenant Paul Heckenberger
* Firefighter Woody Atiyeh
20 Years of Service
* Captain Mark Trumbore
* Lieutenant Christopher Groller
* Lieutenant William Warren
* Firefighter Andrew Bausher
* Firefighter Todd Weisel
🚑 EMS YEARS OF SERVICE
10 Years of Service
* Paramedic Stacy Vibbert
5 Years of Service
* Paramedic Mike Bruneio
* Paramedic Shawn Peischl
* Paramedic Cody Colon
🏆 2026 SPECIAL DEPARTMENT AWARDS
🏅 Alfred W. Fischl Firefighter Service Award
Firefighter Christopher Mokris
🏅 Fire Chief’s Award Assistant Chief Jonathan Steed
🏆 2026 Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter Michael Bryant
🏅 2026 EMS Chief’s Award
Bryan Fritz
🏆 2026 Paramedic of the Year
Cody Colon
