12-05-2025
3 firefighters honored for work in downtown explosion
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Not quite one year ago, first responders flooded the Realty Building in a rush to save those who were trapped inside after a gas explosion rocked the city. Now, some of them are being honored.
Scott Thomas, Tommy Gibbs and Joseph Koziel of Youngstown are set to be honored with the Citizen's Award on Wednesday at the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Fire Service Award Ceremony.
Each year, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and the Department of Public Safety's Division of EMS come together to honor courageous men and women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
This awards ceremony recognizes the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice they make every day on behalf of communities throughout the state.
Also receiving recognition is Travis Birch of Newton Falls.
For any friends or family members who may want to watch the ceremony, it will be livestreamed here on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.
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