Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Pennsylvania Safe

Pennsylvania is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Pennsylvania first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Officer Thomas Rutecki (Plumstead Township) — Officer Rutecki was awarded The Police Star after rescuing a suicidal 15-year-old girl from a highway overpass. Rutecki responded to the call on January 2, 2024, when he found the teen straddling a guardrail above Route 611. Using exceptional communication skills, he calmly built a connection with her, discussing school and showing empathy while under immense pressure. As she swung both legs over the edge, Rutecki seized the moment to physically secure her and pull her to safety. His quick thinking and de-escalation skills prevented a tragedy, demonstrating true heroism. Read more here.

Firefighter Mike Falacaro (Lower Milford Township) — Volunteer firefighter Mike Falcaro acted quickly to rescue residents and a pet from a fire while off duty. While running errands with his family on March 9, 2025, he noticed a fire breaking out in multiple homes on Old Bethlehem Pike and immediately called 911 before entering the buildings. With emergency crews still en route, Falcaro ensured residents evacuated safely and later re-entered one of the homes to locate and rescue a dog. His rapid response helped prevent further harm before fire crews arrived on the scene. Read more here.

Assistant Chief Bill Weber (Narberth) — In January 2024, Assistant Chief of Operations Weber received a commendation from the Borough of Conshohocken for his role in saving two individuals from an opioid overdose. Weber responded to the call on November 1, 2023, where he—along with Detective William Walter, police officers Xavier Perez and Montowski and two civilians—administered Narcan and provided critical aid to revive both victims. Following the incident, Weber ensured Conshohocken’s Narcan supply was replenished within the hour. His leadership and swift response highlight the vital role of emergency responders in combating the opioid crisis. Read more here.

Officer Shawn Luse (Bellefonte) — During a Penn State vs. Ohio State football game on November 2, 2024, Officer Luse responded to an emergency at the will-call ticket gate after a man collapsed. Pennsylvania State Troopers had already begun CPR when Luse arrived with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Drawing on his experience as a paramedic and CPR instructor, he administered the AED, successfully reviving the patient before EMS transported him to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Read more here.

Officer Lamar Johnson (Philadelphia) — In May 2024, Officer Johnson’s quick thinking and CPR training saved the life of a pedestrian after she stopped breathing in the middle of a busy West Philadelphia intersection. Flagged down by her panicked husband, Johnson immediately pulled her from the car, placed her on a flat surface and began chest compressions. A passing nurse assisted with mouth-to-mouth, and after more than 30 compressions, Jones began breathing again. Johnson’s calm response and decisive actions, along with the help of his partners and a Good Samaritan, turned a life-threatening emergency into a remarkable rescue. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Pennsylvania to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!