When a fire alarm sounds, the men and women who volunteer their time as firefighters don’t hesitate to answer the call.

They have trained for this.

They have prepared both physically and mentally.

They run into a burning building to save lives.

But when one of their own is killed in the line of duty, the world stops.

That was the case in Schuylkill County Wednesday night.

Two New Tripoli volunteer firefighters who answered the call gave their lives during their service to their community.

Marvin Gruber, 59, and Assistant Fire Chief Zachary Paris, 36, both from the Community Fire Company in New Tripoli, entered the burning structure along Clamtown Road in West Penn Township and tragically lost their lives after becoming trapped on the second floor of the home.

It took a total of eight minutes from the time the first mayday was called until both Gruber and Paris were located and pulled from the structure. They were rushed to St. Luke’s Miners campus, Coaldale, where they succumbed to their injuries.

It was an event that rocked the community far and wide.

Carbon sends condolences

Carbon County Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein, a volunteer firefighter in Lehighton, said Thursday that five departments from the county were called as a rapid response team Wednesday.

“Our people went in when the mayday went out and removed those two firefighters,” he said. “I would ask that your thoughts and prayers are, not only for the firefighters and their families, but the fire department which will now be out of service because of the stress factor ... and all the responders who were at that incident. When something like that happens when you are still on the scene and still have a job to do. It sends out pain to every emergency responder.”

Nesquehoning Hose Company fire Chief John McArdle, who serves as the president of the county fire chiefs association, said, “All Carbon County firefighters express our deepest sympathy to the families of FF Gruber and Assistant Chief Paris and the New Tripoli firefighters in this tragic loss.”

McArdle, who remained at the Nesquehoning station to cover the borough on Wednesday, said that upon hearing the mayday call, he knew firefighters from Nesquehoning and the surrounding communities had been called to the scene.

“(It) is a gut wrenching moment, not knowing what is happening or what trouble they are in,” he said, adding that he received notice on the status of the responders after the firefighters were located. “Reflecting on this tragic event, I wonder if the public and our elected officials realize the importance, dedication and the sacrifices made by our volunteer firefighters as well as our paid firefighters across the state. Firefighters ask very little, spend hours away from their families to help people, strangers on their worst day putting themselves in harm’s way. They all require a great deal of support when it comes to seeking donations for equipment and funding for operations. How many times are they passed by or have funding losses. It sure would be nice to have paid firefighters in Carbon County, the day is coming with less and less volunteers.”

Four losses

Acting state Fire Commissioner Charles McGarvey also issued a statement.

“Two of the individuals were firefighters that were actively fighting the fire when they became trapped,” McGarvey said. “While eventually rescued, they later succumbed to their injuries. We would like to extend our condolences to their colleagues and families for the loss of their loved ones. “ ... These most recent deaths, along with two others across the state in the last week, draw attention to a deeply troubling trend of rising line of duty deaths. In separate cases in the last week, firefighters have lost their lives while responding to calls: one was struck while directing traffic, and a second experienced a heart attack after having responded to an incident.

“While we wait to learn more about how this incident occurred, I want to personally underscore the importance and the value of taking fire risks seriously,” he continued. “Residents can help firefighters limit their risk by ensuring homes are equipped with functioning smoke detectors, having an escape plan and practicing it with their entire family, and once out, not going back in.”

McGarvey stressed the importance of training for the firefighting community to prepare them for all kinds of situations when emergencies arise.

In neighboring Maryland, where Paris had served as a firefighter in Frederick County, fire Chief Tom Coe International Association of Firefighters Local 3666 President Stephen Jones sent condolences.

“There are no words to describe the sadness myself and the members of Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services are feeling today. Not only was Zach someone who was living out his dream of becoming a career firefighter, but he was also living out his dream as a family man,” Coe said on Facebook. “We often take for granted that firefighters not only serve members of the community where they work, but many also selflessly contribute to the communities where they live.”

“Losing another one of our brothers, especially this time of year, is heartbreaking,” Jones said. “We stand ready to support his wife and children during this tragic time.”

Paris, 36, of New Tripoli, joined the Frederick County Fire and Rescue family on Feb. 28, 2022 as part of Recruit Class 32. He graduated from the fire academy on Sept. 10 and was assigned to the Green Valley Fire Station as a member of C Shift.

He also served in his hometown as a volunteer firefighter since 2010 and is survived by his wife, two daughters, sister, and parents.

Gruber, has been a firefighter since 2020 and, for the last 15 years, was the assistant chief for public safety & security, at Northampton Community College.

“Marv was a longtime and beloved member of the NCC community having worked at college for 22 years, the last 15 in the Department of Public Safety,” said Chief of Public Safety Keith Morris. “He died a hero in the line of duty, doing what he did best, helping and protecting others while selflessly serving his community with honor and integrity.

“Marv was a bright spot within our organization, serving with integrity and honor,” Morris added. “He will be profoundly missed.”

Pennsylvania National Guard 192nd Firefighter Detachment, also posted a tribute to Gruber and Paris because Spc. Ryan Williams, who is currently serving in the detachment in Europe, began his fire service career at New Tripoli Fire Company and still lives in that area.

Congressmen Dan Meuser also issued the following statement, “Our hearts are heavy over the loss of two members of the New Tripoli Community Fire Company, who died yesterday while battling a house fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County. The heroism and sacrifice of Marvin Gruber and Zachary Paris are a testament to what our first responders give every day when they answer the call. We send our condolences to their families, friends, and the men and women of the New Tripoli Community Fire Company, whose volunteer service deserves our deepest gratitude. May God bless all who mourn at this difficult time.”