07/09/2024
Last Thursday afternoon, 18-year old Paintertown Volunteer Firefighter Jacob Lazar was helping to clean up storm damage from a tornado that hit Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. While assisting with other volunteers in North Huntingdon, a large tree slipped from an excavator bucket and struck him in the head. Despite lifesaving attempts from his colleagues on scene, Jacob passed away from his injuries. The young man lost his life doing what he loved; volunteering and helping others.
Jacob Lazar began serving as a junior firefighter at the age of 14, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers who are also volunteer firemen within the department. He had just recently completed the requirements for firefighter one certification. Jake was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop No. 236, where attained the rank of Eagle Scout. This fall, Jacob would have begun his senior year at Penn-Trafford High School. He was well-known for his dedication and commitment to helping others. Jake has volunteered for the last several holiday seasons with the laying of wreaths on Veterans’ graves at local cemeteries. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. FF Jacob Lazar will be laid to rest tomorrow.
