HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — He’s a symbol of strength and safety in NEPA: A local firefighter who saved lives hung up his gear on Monday after three decades of service.
Gregg Steber, a second-generation firefighter, started his career with Hazleton Fire Department in 1995 and has been at it ever since.
Steber says he’s seen many changes over the years, from the upgrades in firefighting equipment used to fight fires to the procedures that help keep everyone safe during dangerous situations.
When asked about a memorable call from his career, Steber recalled a dramatic rescue where he helped to save two twin girls from a fire years ago.
Steber had a chance recently to meet one of them and says that it’s nice to know she remembered him and that he was able to help make a difference.
“When people come up to you and say, ‘Hey, I remember you from this accident call, I remember you from this fire call, you guys really helped me out. When you guys came, the fire department, we really counted on you.’ That’s what makes the whole career worthwhile,” Steber said.
“We always say it’s one team, one family. Gregg was a true poster child for that, for being one team, one family, and always instilling that in all of us,” Hazleton Fire Department Chief Donald Leshko stated.
Even though it was his last day, Steber tells 28/22 News he was able to complete another training course.
He says he strongly encourages young people to consider firefighing as a career, even if that means starting with a volunteer department.
