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As Daily Voice has previously reported, Assistant Fire Chief Zachary Paris, 36, and firefighter Marvin Gruber, 59, responded to a blaze with the New Tripoli Fire Company at 1121 Clamtown Rd. in West Penn Township around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Both Paris and Gruber became trapped inside the burning home during the rescue and were removed in critical condition. They later succumbed to their injuries.
The Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company said that a resident of the home was found in the woods nearby, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
That man is now widely identified as Christopher Kammerdiener, 35., who lived at the Clamtown Road home with his uncle, according to the Pottsville Republican & Herald.
West Penn Township police have described the fire as "suspicious" but have not detailed the findings of their investigation to date.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Dec. 12, authorities announced funeral arrangements for firefighters Paris and Gruber.
A public viewing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School, 6636 Northwest Road in New Tripoli, followed by a private viewing for first responders and county workers.
“There are never the right words when a community suffers such a profound loss”, said New Tripoli Fire Chief Gary Kuntz.
“Our number one priority is the families of both fallen heroes. What this town has lost is vast, but what their families have lost is immeasurable," he continued. "It is our duty to ensure their needs are met, today, tomorrow, and every day after that, and we are committed to doing so.”
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