Ed Verbitski Named Philadelphia's Firefighter Of The Year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia firefighter today received one of the department's highest honors, "Firefighter of the Year," in a ceremony at the Firemen's Hall Museum in Old City.
Last November 5th, when Squad 47 rolled up to a fire on Corlies Street in South Philadelphia (see related story), firefighter Edward Verbitski says he knew it was going to be a challenge.
"Ken (Lt. Ken Pagurek) turned around with that look on his face and said, 'Go, Ed!'," Verbitski recalls.
He entered the building using a civilian ladder that was nearby, rescuing a woman and an infant so quickly that firefighters hadn't even gotten a chance to put water on the fire yet.
"It's a great feeling to see him do what he does," says Verbitski's father, Joe, who was a Philadelphia firefighter for more than 23 years. "We are very, very proud of him."
And so is Verbitski's boss, Philadelphia fire commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
"There are times when you're in that room by yourself and saving a civilian is totally up to you," he said today.
Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060
