'Richie is dedicated to serving others': Ross Local Hero

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Gregory Porter who nominated Rich Biernstein of the North Hills.

Rich Biernstein

Local hero’s home state: Pennsylvania

Local hero’s Patch: North Hills

How do you know the local hero? Co-worker

What does the local hero do? Paramedic - Firefighter

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored? Richie has dedicated his life to public service. He has a long career as a US Navy Corpsman. Richie has served the North Hills as a Ross-West View EMSA Paramedic for more than 30 years. Richie is an active volunteer firefighter for Millvale Borough. Richie manages our honor guard and leads the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Honor Guard. Richie is an active special response team paramedic providing medical care during high-risk police events for North Hills SRT. Richie volunteers his time each year at the Ross-West View EMSA headquarters where he manages and collects Toys for Tots. There is no person more dedicated to serving others than Richie Biernstein.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero? Richie is dedicated to serving others no matter the problem, situation or need. He is willing to drop what he is doing and help.

Thank you for all you do, Rich Biernstein!

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<i>Know someone making a difference in town? <a>Nominate them as a local hero here. </a></i>