'Hug a Firefighter,' Emmaus Borough Manager Says

Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe ended Monday night's Borough Council meeting by thanking all of the borough's emergency personnel for their heroic efforts in fighting the fatal apartment fire Sunday.

Pepe also asked residents to keep in mind that police, fire and ambulance crews who responded to the tragedy also are struggling with the loss of life.

"They are having a difficult time with this as well," Pepe said. "If you see a firefighter, have a child come up to them and ask them how they are doing and give them a hug.

"This brings to light that being a firefighter is not about the glory of riding a fire truck. Let them know that we appreciate everything they do for us because they have to deal with the hard stuff, too," Pepe said.

There's no word yet on what caused the blaze at 36-38 S. Fifth St. in Emmaus that killed four people, but officials said Thursday that it does not appear to be of suspicious origin.

Official word on the identities of the dead came Tuesday evening. Victims include a mother and her 16-year-old son, who was a student at Emmaus High School. Her boyfriend, who was visiting, also died.

The fire left five East Penn students homeless. Several residents were able to escape the double house as fire spread shortly before noon Sunday.

A funeral fund for the victims has been established. Firefighters are collecting gift cards and donations to help survivors replace their belongings.