Firefighter Attacked In Norristown After Confronting Drug Users

NORRISTOWN, PA — A firefighter and EMT who served the Plymouth and Philadelphia areas was stabbed multiple times outside of his home in Norristown last week.

The incident occurred on Friday, March 23 on the 600 block of George Street, police said.

Zac Santiago was confronting juveniles about using drugs on a nearby abandoned property when he was attacked, according to authorities.

Santiago was flown immediately from the scene to Jefferson University Hospital for surgery, according to the Plymouth Community Ambulance Association.

While there, he underwent two surgeries, both of which were successful, and is now stable and recovering, according to Plymouth Ambulance Chief Thomas Tojansky and Norristown Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell.

"He is recovering and, we’re thankful to say, doing well," they said in a statement.

Santiago, a lieutenant with Plymouth Ambulance, has also worked with the Fairmount and Philadelphia Fire Department, and serves on the Montgomery County Urban Search and Rescue Team.

Tojansky and O'Donnell said that they were planning a fundraiser for Santiago, and asked others to hold off planning side fundraisers for the time being.

"In the meantime, we ask that everyone refrain from holding side fundraisers of their own as this could cause some confusion and possibly result in the misdirection of some of those funds," they wrote.

An investigation into the incident is underway. Police said that no one has been charged but that there are persons of interest in the case. If you have any information, contact police at 610-270-0977. Tips can remain anonymous.

Anyone who would like to assist in planning the fundraising event should contact Helpzac@medic308.org.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Patch file photo