MD Firefighter Identified as One of Two FFs Killed Battling PA Blaze

Frederick County, MD Firefighter Zachary Paris was one of two volunteers killed while battling a blaze Wednesday in Pennsylvania.

Paris, 36, and Marvin Gruber, 59, both of New Tripoli Fire Company, became trapped while fighting the large house fire in West Penn Township.

An hour into the incident, two Maydays from Paris and Gruber were received indicating they were on the second floor. The RIT jumped into action and went into the blaze to rescue them, according to SKOOK News. 

They were then transported to the St. Luke's Miners Hospital in Coaldale where they were pronounced dead. 

Paris was the assistant chief while Gruber was a director. 

Another person, believed to be the homeowner, was found dead near the scene of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

 Paris graduated from the Frederick County Training Academy on Sept. 10, and was assigned to the Green Valley station, according to IAFF Local 3666 post. 

"Paris leaves behind his wife, and 2 young daughters. We ask that you please keep Firefighter Paris’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," union officials wrote. “Losing another one of our brothers, especially this time of year, is heartbreaking. We stand ready to support his wife and children during this tragic time,” Local President Stephen Jones said.

Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe said in a statement Thursday morning: “There are no words to describe the sadness myself and the members of Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services are feeling today. Not only was Zach someone who was living out his dream of becoming a career firefighter, but he was also living out his dream as a family man. We often take for granted that firefighters not only serve members of the community where they work, but many also selflessly contribute to the communities where they live.”

Funeral services are pending for both firefighters.

New Tripoli Fire Company posted the GoFundMe: https://www.facebook.com/ntfcstation17

Listen to the audio transmissions from the call.