Burn Prevention Network Presented 20th Annual Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage

Valley Preferred proudly supported the 2025 Spirit of Courage Awards, honoring extraordinary acts of bravery and resilience—from first responders who risked their lives to burn survivors who inspire hope—while raising vital funds for burn prevention and recovery programs.

Center Valley, PA, October 28, 2025 – The Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage (VPSOC) awards, created by Burn Prevention Network (BPN), Valley Preferred, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) were presented tonight at DeSales University.

The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where Valley Preferred volunteers welcomed guests and assisted at the registration table. Following the reception, attendees gathered for a heartfelt dinner and awards ceremony that celebrated individuals who have gone above and beyond to save lives.

This year’s program featured a keynote address by Somoana Matagi, affectionately known as “The No-Handed Bandit.” A burn survivor who lost both hands after a devastating electrical accident, Matagi shared his remarkable journey of perseverance and reinvention—from overcoming physical challenges to becoming a motivational speaker and advocate for burn survivors. His message of resilience and hope deeply resonated with everyone in attendance.

Valley Preferred’s Medical Director, Dr. John Stoeckle, delivered remarks during the program and presented awards to honorees. Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Mark Wendling, former Executive Director of our organization, who was honored with a special award recognizing his years of dedicated service and leadership.

The evening also featured Spirit of Courage Awards, presented to first responders—including firefighters, EMTs, and police officers—who risked their lives to save others from fire-related danger. In addition, the prestigious Phoenix Award was presented to a burn survivor who exemplifies resilience and advocacy for others in the burn community. These awards not only celebrate heroism but also raise vital funds for programs like Camp Susquehanna, a life-changing experience for young burn survivors, and support services through the Lehigh Valley Health Network Regional Burn Center.

The 2025 Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards honored extraordinary individuals whose bravery and dedication saved lives and advanced burn prevention efforts. This year’s recipients exemplify heroism in the face of danger and an unwavering commitment to community safety.

Spirit of Courage Award – Detective Christopher Shelly – Stroud Area Regional Police Department

On March 5, 2025, Detective Shelly responded to a fire in East Stroudsburg where lives were at imminent risk. Without hesitation, he entered the burning structure to rescue occupants, demonstrating remarkable courage under life-threatening conditions. His quick thinking and selfless actions prevented a tragedy.

Spirit of Courage Award – Sergeant Jason Hillis and Officer Nick Bramich – Wilson Police Department

On November 24, 2024, Firefighters Hillis and Bramich demonstrated extraordinary bravery during a residential fire emergency. Facing intense heat and rapidly deteriorating conditions, they entered the burning structure to rescue individuals trapped inside. Their quick response and unwavering commitment to saving lives exemplify the highest standards of courage and professionalism in the fire service.

Spirit of Courage Award – Captain Kurt Shelhamer, FF Stan Sabol, FF Tom Biddle, FF James Blake, and FF Jarett McCabe – Pottsville Fire Department

On May 2, 2025, in a harrowing fire emergency, these five first responders displayed exceptional bravery and teamwork to save lives under extreme conditions. Their rapid response and coordinated efforts ensured the safe rescue of individuals trapped inside an apartment complex, despite the imminent danger posed by intense flames and smoke. Their actions exemplify the courage and selflessness that define the Spirit of Courage Awards.

Spirit of Courage Award – Chief Scott Gullo and Firefighter Barry Readinger – Friendship Fire Company No. 1 of Geigertown; Deputy Chief Brian Rhein and Lieutenant Christian Sixtos-Flores – Exeter Township Fire Department

On April 28, 2025, these four firefighters faced a dangerous blaze in Robeson Township. Working as a unified team, they navigated intense heat and smoke to save individuals trapped inside. Their coordinated efforts and refusal to retreat in the face of peril underscore the very essence of firefighting heroism.

Spirit of Courage Award – Captain Cameron Sunderland and Captain Nicholas Wuckovich – Altoona Fire Department

April 26, 2025, brought a major fire to 4th Avenue in Altoona. Captains Sunderland and Wuckovich risked their lives to rescue residents from the inferno, prioritizing human life over personal safety. Their bravery and professionalism turned a potentially catastrophic event into a story of survival.

Prevention Partner Award – Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss, Reading Fire Department

Beyond emergency response, prevention is key to saving lives. Fire Marshal Searfoss has championed fire safety education and burn prevention programs throughout the Reading community. His leadership ensures that countless families are better prepared to prevent fires before they start.

Chairman’s Award – Pennsylvania Wildfire First Responders

This year’s Chairman’s Award honors all first responders who battled devastating wildfires across Pennsylvania. Their tireless efforts under extreme conditions protected homes, preserved natural landscapes, and safeguarded lives. Their collective courage reflects the highest ideals of public service.

Walter J Okunski Phoenix Award – Jason Scott

This year’s Phoenix Award was presented to an extraordinary burn survivor whose story embodies courage, perseverance, and hope. After suffering life-altering injuries, Jason Scott transformed his experience into a mission to inspire and advocate for others in the burn community. His journey—marked by determination and reinvention—reminds us that true strength often emerges from the most challenging circumstances.

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the heroism and resilience that define our community. We are proud to support the Burn Prevention Network in honoring these remarkable individuals and their stories of courage.

BPN presents the annual VPSOC award program in partnership with Valley Preferred and LVHN.  Additional sponsors this year included: Service Electric Cablevision, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection, and MedEvac.

Please visit https://www.burnprevention.org/events/ to meet this year’s VPSOC recipients and hear them tell their stories.

---

About Burn Prevention Network

Burn Prevention Network (BPN) is a Pennsylvania statewide 501(c) 3 nonprofit. BPN has a 35+ year history of successful program and service delivery and is one of the most respected burn nonprofits in the U.S.

Burn Prevention Network educates, supports, advocates and empowers. We teach those who are most vulnerable for risk of burns how to protect themselves and others from injury by giving them the knowledge and tools they need to be safe. We support burn survivors and their families as they continue to deal with their trauma and then empower them as they adjust to a new reality. While our reach extends throughout Pennsylvania, our focus is on those populations most at-risk for burn injuries. We offer education for new parents, children and older adults; provide support services for survivors and their families; and use traditional and social media to promote safe practices and burn reduction.

We are effective because of the nature, extent and quality of our partnerships with regional burn centers such as LVHN’s Regional Burn Center, and other health, public safety and community-based organizations, including many of our fire and first responder partners who attend the awards event. What sets us apart is the availability and quality of our programs, our longstanding relationships, our demonstrated expertise, and the commitment and dedication of our board and staff.

For more information on Burn Prevention Network programs and services, volunteer opportunities or partnership possibilities, visit burnprevention.org.