18-year-old volunteer firefighter killed by falling tree will be remembered as hardworking and helpful – WPXI

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pennsylvania – The tragic death of a young Westmoreland County man is hitting the community hard, especially the local fire department where he volunteered since he was 14 years old.

Members of the Paintertown Volunteer Fire Department remember 18-year-old Jacob Lazar, who was struck and killed by a tree while cleaning up storm damage on Thursday.

They thanked him for his service with a sign outside the station that read: “Rest in peace, FF Jacob Lazar. Thank you for your service.”

The fire department also displayed his uniform with a black flag at the building to mourn his loss. It is a solemn tradition that symbolizes the death of a firefighter.

“The seven is our station number, so we wore the seven, and this is his firefighting gear,” said Fire Chief Brian Lee.

According to Chief Lee, Lazar has volunteered for the department for the past four years and recently earned the title of trained fire chief.

“He wanted to learn and do everything right away,” he said. “He was really energetic and excited about becoming a firefighter … unfortunately his career ended early.”

The Penn-Trafford High School senior died in a tragic accident on July 4 when a tree fell on him. The county coroner said Lazar was with a group of volunteers at the Trafford Sportsmen’s Club helping to clean up storm damage from last week’s tornado when a tree fell from an excavator bucket and struck Lazar in the head.

“It was devastating,” Lee said. “He was just helping somebody, like he always does. If you asked him for anything, he would help. That’s Jacob’s nature.”

Serving his community was Jacob’s life, Chief Lee said, and after he grew old and left Boy Scout Troop 236, he stayed there as a volunteer.

“When you say he is a volunteer, it means he does everything voluntarily,” Lee said.

The young man who had so much to look forward to will now be remembered as a dedicated firefighter, friend and son.

“He was the hardest worker we have here, and that was as a young guy. It’s a big loss for the fire department. It’s a big loss for his family,” Lee said. “It’s like a big family up here.”

Two of Lazar’s older brothers also volunteer with the Paintertown Vol. Fire Department. Lazar leaves behind a total of five siblings, including a twin brother.

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