DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, along with First Lady Lori Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Second Lady Blayre Holes Davis honored Pa. first responders and residents who have made a difference in their communities on Monday.
Earlier on Monday, the Governor presented the Keystone First Responder Award. This award honors Pa. first responders who have either died or suffered a career-ending injury while on duty. This was the first year of the honor, as it was first created by a bipartisan law signed by Gov. Shapiro earlier in 2024.
“Every day, thousands of dedicated public servants go to work to protect the good people of Pennsylvania, putting their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities," the Governor said. "I am honored to award these 12 Pennsylvania heroes with the inaugural Keystone First Responder Awards, recognizing them for their service and sacrifice.”
Of the 12 responders honored, 11 lost their lives and one suffered a career-ending injury. The 12 honored were:
- Sgt. Christopher D. Fitzgerald, Temple University Police Department
- Lt. William D. Lebo, City of Lebanon Police Department
- Trooper. Martin F. Mack, III, Pennsylvania State Police
- Chief Justin McIntire, Brackenridge Police Department
- Sgt. Richard Carrero Mendez, Philadelphia Police Department
- Trooper. Jacques F. "Jay" Rougeau, Jr., Pennsylvania State Police
- Trooper. Branden Sisca, Pennsylvania State Police
- Officer Sean L. Sluganski, McKeesport Police Department
- Paramedic Nicholas A. Theofilis, Penn Hills EMS
- Assistant Chief Zachary T.A. Paris, Community Fire Company of New Tripoli
- Firefighter Marvin Gruber, Community Fire Company of New Tripoli
- Corrections Officer James Britton, Jr., Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
Later on Monday, Gov. Shapiro presented the Governor's Keystone Award at a State Dinner. The award was given to nine Pennsylvania residents who had a positive impact in their communities.
“As I travel all across our Commonwealth, it’s the stories of Pennsylvanians who are making a difference in their communities that inspires me and keeps me going,” Gov. Shapiro said. “The First Lady and I are honored to recognize nine exemplary Pennsylvanians who are improving their communities, whether that means advocating for those too often forgotten and left behind, mentoring our children to ensure they have the tools to succeed, or supporting those who have served in uniform. We congratulate and thank them for their contributions to our Commonwealth, dedication to their communities, and commitment to service.”
The following nine Pennsylvanians were honored at the Gov. Shapiro's State Dinner:
- Kenny Holdsman of Philadelphia
- Glynis Johns of Scranton
- Thomas Lenox of Erie
- Aimee Morris of Felton
- Amanda Parezo of Philadelphia
- Tristan Rankin of Glen Rock
- Lisa Scales of Pittsburgh
- Sister Mary Scullion of Philadelphia
- Jamie Upshaw of Pittsburgh
