Friday, October 18, 2024

Schuylkill County Police Officer Receives Spirit of Courage Award for Heroic Rescue


Officer Mark Hysock of the Shenandoah Borough Police Department was honored with a Spirit of Courage Award for his life-saving actions during a house fire last December. 

The award, presented by the Burn Prevention Network (BPN), Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), and Valley Preferred, recognized Hysock's bravery during a dangerous rescue in Shenandoah Heights.

On December 22, 2023, firefighters were dispatched to a burning duplex in West Mahanoy Township, where a child was reportedly trapped inside. Officer Hysock, who was patrolling nearby, responded immediately. Wearing only his police uniform, Hysock, who is also a volunteer firefighter for the Shenandoah Rescue Hook and Ladder Co., rushed into the smoke-filled home. Crawling down a smoke-engulfed hallway to the third floor, he found an 18-month-old child trapped in a bedroom that was already on fire. Without hesitation, he rescued the child, bringing them to safety just as firefighters arrived on the scene. The child was later airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, and Hysock’s swift actions were credited with saving the young life.

The award was presented during the 19th annual Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage (VPSOC) Awards ceremony on October 14, 2024, at DeSales University. The event celebrated local heroes who risked their lives to save others from burn injuries or death. Eight individuals were honored at the ceremony, which drew over 500 first responders, burn care providers, and community leaders from across Pennsylvania.

Submitted Photo / Lehigh Valley Health Network / Burn Prevention Network

Watch a video prepared that introduced and told Hysock's story below: