Coaldale borough and the Coaldale Fire Department will recognize 11 firefighters who recently helped rescue a teenager from a burning home.

The firefighters will be presented with the medals of valor during a 7 p.m. ceremony on Monday at the fire department, 121 W. High St.

The Medal of Valor is the highest award bestowed upon a firefighter and is presented to those who have demonstrated exceptional courage, unwavering determination, and selfless heroism in the most perilous situations. This prestigious medal honors the extraordinary individuals who risk their lives daily to protect others, going above and beyond the call of duty in their fight against fires, natural disasters, and other life-threatening circumstances.

On July 23, the Coaldale Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire with confirmed entrapment. Upon arrival, crews were met with active fire conditions and were informed that a juvenile was trapped inside the home.

Firefighters immediately initiated a search and rescue operation and successfully located and removed the trapped teenager from the burning residence.

The rescued teen was airlifted to a Lehigh Valley hospital, and an adult was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal.

The search and rescue operations team consisted of seven Coaldale Fire Department members and four Tamaqua Fire Department members.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and having a practiced home fire escape plan. Fire officials urge all residents to regularly test smoke alarms and ensure everyone in the household knows at least two ways out of every room.