Kidder firefighter receives medal of valor
From left, Barbara Franzosa stands with Steve Lilick and Jim Dau. Lilick was awarded the Public Safety Medal of Valor for saving an elderly man from a burning vehicle on the Bethlehem Pike in January. JUDY DOLGOS-KRAMER/TIMES NEWS
Steve Lilick was awarded the Public Safety Medal of Valor during last week’s Kidder Township supervisors meeting for his fast-thinking rescue at the scene of a crash on the Bethlehem Pike on the morning of Jan. 9.
According to Jim Dau, president of the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad, Lilick was driving on Route 309 southbound in Bucks County when he saw a car that appeared to be on fire attempt to pull off the road, but instead the vehicle veered off the road and into a tree, at which point it burst into flames.
Lilick, a lifelong firefighter, grabbed his fire extinguisher from his car and controlled the flames long enough to force open the door to the car.
The driver was an elderly man unable to walk without the assistance of a cane. Lilick and another driver were able to rescue the driver before the car became totally engulfed.
The Sellersville and Trumbauersville fire departments responded to the call.
Sellersville Chief Kurt Wagner recommended Lilick for the honor.
The award was sponsored by township Supervisor Barbara Franzosa and her brother Jim Smith.
Following the presentation of the award to Lilick, township Chairman Thomas Bradley requested a moment of silence in honor and memory of former Supervisor Larry Polansky.
Polansky passed away on Feb. 13.
Supervisors also approved the hire of a new part-time police officer. Ryan Poeldnurk of Nesquehoning will be hired at $19 per hour.
Police Chief Matthew Kuzma made a note that on March 1 the WMMR Cardboard Classic will take place at Jack Frost and suggested that residents take precautions to avoid unnecessary travel through the area if possible due to the high volume of traffic.
