Crafton Mayor Perry and borough officials on an evening ceremony formally commended the Crafton Volunteer Fire Department, neighboring mutual aid companies, the Crafton Public Works Department and the Crafton Police Department for their response to a residential fire during a severe winter storm on Jan. 20.

The recognition came after officials described dangerous conditions that morning — heavy snow, whiteout conditions and frozen hydrants — and a response that involved mutual aid companies and multiple borough departments. Mayor Perry praised first responders’ “courage, sacrifice, and indispensable role in keeping Crafton safe,” and the mayor singled out the coordinated work of fire, police, EMS and public works in ensuring access and safety during the incident.

Fire Chief Crown said crews learned early in the response that two people remained inside the burning home and that firefighters immediately attempted interior rescues. “I think he and I both kind of took a gasp when they said that there were still 2 people inside,” Chief Crown said, describing the urgency when firefighters entered without a hose line. He said the first crews’ gear was “just smoking off, gassing from the fires,” and that some self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) required insurance claims after the incident.

Officials confirmed the back half of the house collapsed into the basement during the blaze and that mutual aid departments — Green Tree, Moon Run, Stowe and East Carnegie — assisted on scene. Chief Crown said the borough suffered a loss of life in the fire; he described the event as “a sad day” and noted that fatal fires are rare in Crafton, referencing prior fatal incidents decades earlier.

Mayor Perry also commended the Crafton Public Works Department for clearing and salting streets before and during the response, saying those actions ensured safe access for emergency vehicles. Chief Crown credited Captain Finley of public works with plowing the street that morning. Borough officials noted that several public works employees also serve as volunteer firefighters and performed double duty that day.

The mayor recognized Sergeant Timothy Harvison of the Crafton Police Department as the first police officer on scene. Mayor Perry said officers and police leadership “stepped up once again to serve” during the extreme conditions and thanked Sergeant Harvison for his presence and professionalism.

The ceremony followed the borough’s decision to issue three formal commendations: to the Crafton Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid partners, to the Crafton Public Works Department for its snow-removal and access work, and to the Crafton Police Department for its response and on-scene work. Officials emphasized gratitude for everyday emergency responses as well as the specific heroism shown on Jan. 20.

Officials did not announce policy changes, new funding, or follow-up investigations during the remarks. They expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and repeated appreciation for the emergency personnel and mutual aid departments that responded that morning.