NEWTOWN, PA — Newtown Fire Rescue this week awarded two of its firefighters the Medal of Valor for saving lives during the flash flood that killed seven people in neighboring Upper Makefield in 2023.

Chief Glenn Forsyth presented medals of valor to Deputy Chief Rory LaRosa, a volunteer with the Newtown Fire Association, and paid firefighter and paramedic Shane Quinnan for his efforts during the sudden and severe flooding.

The Medal of Valor is awarded to a firefighter for actions above and beyond the call of duty, at extreme personal risk, and in a significant way that saves and preserves the life of another person.

The Medal of Bravery.

During the flash flood on July 15, 2023, both firefighters performed several heroic rescues in the fast-flowing and debris-filled floodwaters that surprised many as they drove through the community on Route 532 and Taylorsville Road, according to Chief Forsyth.

The following people died in the flood: Susan Barnhart (53) of Titusville, New Jersey; Katheryn Seley (32) of Charleston, SC; two-year-old Mattie and her nine-month-old brother Conrad Sheils of Charlestown, SC; Yuko Love (64) of Newtown Township; and Enzo (78) and Linda DePiero (74) of Newtown Township.

“Many of our members, both volunteers and professionals, were immediately present at the initial incident, conducting rescue operations and spending the following days searching for the victims who were still missing,” the chief said. They all received awards for their efforts.

(Newtown Fire and Rescue Service)

(Newtown Fire and Rescue Service)