DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Update, (2/9/22): The Middletown Volunteer Fire Department provided another update on the condition of Shawn Menear on Feb. 8 with good news — Menear was able to walk on his own for the first time in two weeks.
"After sustaining serious injuries to most of his right leg, Shawn has not been able to move beyond his hospital bed and bedside recliner chair at all during his inpatient treatment at Thomas Jefferson Hospital," said the department.
The fire department continues to be in frequent contact with Menear and his family and hopes to announce Menear's planned outpatient treatment soon.
"This is a very big improvement, and combined with a number of other obstacles he has overcome, his future of rehabilitation is getting much closer."
Update, (2/4/22): Kuppy's Diner held a turkey dinner fundraiser for Shawn Menear on Thursday, Feb. 3, and recently announced on their Facebook page that almost $7,000 had been raised for the injured Middletown firefighter.
Update, (2/3/22): Firefighter Shawn Menear is scheduled to undergo at least one more operation within the next 24 hours, according to the Middletown Volunteer Fire Department.
"Shawn has made great progress while recovering from severe burn injuries impacting a majority of his lower body," the department said in a Facebook post. "The amount of support presented throughout his in-patient stay has helped him immensely. Shawn wants everyone to know he’s doing well and can’t begin to thank everyone for their support."
Also according to the post, medical staff hope that Menear can begin outpatient recovery in the next week or so.
The Middletown Volunteer Fire Department stated that they will post more updates on Menear's condition as they become available.
Update, (1/28/22, 2:30 a.m.): The Middletown Volunteer Fire Department released an update on the condition of Shawn Menear, the firefighter who became trapped in a house fire Sunday evening and was flown to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia for his injuries.
On Jan. 27, the fire department confirmed that Menear is in "stable" condition in a press release posted to their Facebook page, due to rumors that had been circulating about the firefighter's condition.
According to the department, Menear suffered second and third degree burns to his right leg.
He has since undergone surgery to repair the damage to his muscles and skin through the application of skin grafts, fire officials state.
At this time, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Additional details will be released by the fire department as they become available.
Previously:
One man has died in a house fire in Royalton Borough, Dauphin County, according to the Dauphin County Coroner.
Approximately 90 firefighters from four counties responded to the fire on the 500 block of Water Street at 9:14 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 23, after a neighbor reported flames coming from a house with a possible disabled resident trapped inside, officials with the Borough of Royalton report.
While inside the home, one Middletown firefighter became trapped under debris for 40 minutes after the second floor collapsed. Fire rescuers on the on-scene Rapid Intervention Team had to use saws to free the crew member.
The firefighter, identified as Shawn Menear, was flown to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. His condition is not being released at this time.
Officials identified the man who died in the fire as 67-year-old William Hardy, who lived at the address.
Hardy's death was ruled accidental, and officials say he died of thermal burns.
"The officers and members of Middletown Fire Department have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support over the last 24 hours," wrote Middletown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kenton Whitebread Jr. in a press release. "We ask that you please be patient as we navigate through this difficult time."
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Dauphin County Fire Investigation Team.
This is a developing story. FOX43 will provide updates when they become available.
