During the October meeting of McKeesport City Council, Mayor Cherepko presented proclamations to those who responded to the the September 8 fire at the McKeesport Housing Authority’s McKeesport Towers high-rise apartment complex.

Upon arrival on that date, first-responders observed fire and heavy smoke venting from a seventh-story window, and the call escalated to a second alarm with some firefighters making their way to the seventh floor with high rise packs and others making water connections.  Firefighters and police encountered heavy smoke and fire while extinguishing the blaze and removing residents from the building, often carrying individuals down several flights of stairs to safety.

A combined crew of firefighters, police, emergency medical personnel, housing authority staff, and animal control officers worked together to evacuate residents and pets. 

As the result of quick action and hard work by these public safety professionals, everyone was removed safely and no residents suffered prolonged injuries relating to the blaze, Mayor Cherepko said.