For Ida Heroism, 3 Norristown Firefighters Receive National Award

NORRISTOWN, PA — Three Norristown firefighters have been honored with a national award for their bravery and heroism during the response to the devastating remnants of Hurricane Ida this fall.

Ryan O'Donnell, Anthony Molchany, and Robert Spitko have all received the National Liberty Museum's Award of Valor. The trio was awarded during a virtual presentation this week.

Norristown first responders worked around the clock during the historic storm, pulling victims from flood waters as the Schuylkill River rose to the highest recorded height in its history. Dozens of water rescues were made during the height of the storm on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.

Last week, those three also received the Fire Department's Award of Valor for their efforts, during a meeting of the Norristown Municipal Council.

Nine other Norristown firefighters received the Department's Award of Merit for their response: Ryan Conboy, Ryan Hunsicker, Kevin Murphy, and Charles Scott.

Norristown's A Platoon and Marine 27 Water Rescue Team, meanwhile, received Unit Citations.