Hope you all enjoyed a fantastic New Year’s with family and friends, as we welcome 2026 with gratitude for the extraordinary people who make our community safer every single day.
The January 8th Lycoming County Commissioners meeting began with something rare in government chambers: a celebration of genuine heroism that unfolded twice within weeks at our county landfill. About a dozen employees from the Resource Management Services department received recognition for actions that saved both property and life during two separate emergencies that tested their character and revealed the caliber of people working on our behalf.
The first incident occurred on November 28th when fire erupted inside one of the buildings at the Resource Management Center. Initial investigations pointed to a ruptured lithium battery as the likely cause of the blaze. These powerful energy storage devices can create intense fires that spread rapidly and prove difficult to extinguish with conventional methods.
What happened next demonstrates the difference between ordinary employees and the exceptional individuals Lycoming County employs at the landfill. Rather than waiting for professional firefighters to arrive, the landfill crew immediately sprang into action to contain and extinguish the flames themselves. Their quick thinking and coordinated response prevented what could have become a catastrophic loss.
During the commissioners’ meeting, someone noted that these employees likely saved the county millions of dollars through their decisive action. Even though the fire department responded with their usual efficiency, the building would have suffered destruction without the immediate intervention of landfill personnel who understood both the facility layout and the specific dangers posed by the fire’s location and fuel source.
The second incident tested different qualities but proved equally revealing about the character of our county workforce. On December 22nd, a garbage truck driver suffered a serious health emergency and fell from his vehicle at the landfill facility. The timing made the situation even more challenging as winter temperatures created additional risks for someone experiencing a medical crisis outdoors.
Again, the landfill employees demonstrated remarkable compassion and competence under pressure. Rather than simply calling for help and waiting they took immediate steps to keep the stricken driver comfortable in harsh December conditions. They contacted emergency medical services to ensure professional medical care would arrive as quickly as possible.
Going beyond basic emergency response, these caring individuals also took the initiative to contact the driver’s company to inform supervisors about the situation. This thoughtful additional step ensured that the man’s employer would know about his condition and could take appropriate action regarding both his immediate needs and his work responsibilities.
The commissioners used these recognition ceremonies to highlight something often overlooked in discussions about local government: the quality of people who choose public service careers in smaller communities like ours. These landfill employees could work anywhere, but they have decided to serve Lycoming County residents through often difficult and sometimes dangerous work that keeps our communities clean and functional.
Commissioner presentations emphasized that both incidents revealed planning and training that prepared employees to respond effectively when emergencies struck. The November fire response showed technical competence and teamwork under extreme pressure. The December medical emergency demonstrated personal compassion and comprehensive thinking about all aspects of a crisis situation.
These events also illustrate the complex nature of modern waste management operations. Landfills today handle everything from traditional household garbage to industrial waste to electronic components containing potentially dangerous materials like lithium batteries. Employees must understand chemical hazards, building systems, emergency protocols, and medical response procedures as part of their regular job responsibilities.
The truck driver incident particularly resonated with commissioners who noted that garbage collection involves significant physical demands and safety risks that most residents never consider. Drivers work alone in all weather conditions, operating heavy machinery while navigating traffic and handling materials that can create unexpected hazards.
What made both emergency responses remarkable was how employees went beyond minimum requirements to protect both property and human life. They could have evacuated during the fire and waited for professionals. They could have called an ambulance for the injured driver and resumed normal operations. Instead, they chose to engage directly with dangerous situations because they understood their actions could make crucial differences in outcomes.
The recognition ceremony concluded with commissioners expressing gratitude for having employees willing to risk personal safety to protect county resources and assist people in distress. These dozen individuals represent the thousands of public servants throughout Lycoming County who take their responsibilities seriously to protect and serve residents even when situations exceed normal job expectations.
Starting 2026 by celebrating such dedication and heroism reminds us that our community’s strength comes not from buildings or budgets but from people willing to step forward when others need help most.
