HARRISBURG - During an annual awards ceremony on June 3, State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker presented the 2016 State Police Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Trooper of the Year, Enforcement Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Police Communications Operator, along with letters of commendation.

Receiving the State Police Commendation Medal were troopers Michael E. Pahira and Matthew A. Tonitis, both of Troop L, Schuylkill Haven.During a midnight shift on Jan. 28, Pahira and Tonitis responded to a residential fire and found smoke pouring out of the building.Pahira, Tonitis and Pottsville police officer Joseph Krammes formed a human chain as they proceeded into the building. They made their way through the smoke to the third floor, where they heard cries for help.They located and rescued a male tenant as Pottsville Police Cpl. Renee Truscott and officer Tina Sullivan cleared the first floor. All 11 residents of the four-unit apartment building were accounted as flames consumed the building.