Firefighters, police officers honored for Liberty house explosion response
Several firefighters and police officers were honored on Monday night during a meeting of the Liberty Township Board of Trustees for their response to a home explosion in June 2025.
On June 7 of last year, first responders were called to the area of East Montrose Street around 9:30 p.m. for reports of a home explosion. The home was already destroyed when emergency crews arrived.
One adult male, identified as 34-year-old Justin Braun, died as a result of the explosion. Four-year-old Jakob Braun was pronounced dead on August 23 in connection with the explosion.
At the time, a second adult was reportedly in critical condition.
During Monday's meeting, multiple firefighters and police officers were honored for their response to the explosion.
Pictured above are some of those first responders.
Medal of Courage recipients include Lieutenant Ronnie Simone and Lieutenant Matthew Gray.
Plus, Ribbon of Courage recipients include Firefighter and Medic Eric Lyszaz and Firefighter and Medic Alec Coman.
Meanwhile, the following police officers are being awarded the Ribbon of Meritorious Service:
- Officer Tyler Beck
- Officer Kenny Griffin
- Officer Colin Trayes
- Sergeant Dave Rankin
Furthermore, the City of Girard Fire Department, the Joint Eagle Fire District and the Vienna Township Fire Department were all recognized for their meritorious service.
"Every day, life-saving emergencies occur. These are just a small sample of them that take place, but we recognize these as exceptional calls," said Douglas Theobald, Fire Chief of Liberty Township Fire Department.
Theobald continued," In the house explosion, unfortunately, there were several that lost their lives, but it was just the outstanding work that was performed by all the fire departments and firefighters and EMS personnel on that day."
Theobald describes the day of the explosion, noting that responders didn't originally get the call as a home explosion. As crews began arriving, the structure was discovered with heavy damage and several victims in need of care.
Lieutenant Simone of the Liberty Township Fire Department outlined his first thoughts as he arrived on the scene.
"I knew that we had a very serious incident and that we were going to need more help. I immediately called for additional resources. I knew we had a victim trapped, and I knew we had to start getting people loaded into ambulances quick, all while dealing with a very unsafe scene," said Simone.
Fire Chief James Petruzzi of the City of Girard told 21 News that departments in the area all do well working together, a partnership that was beneficial in this incident.
"We're very fortunate [that] the departments in southern Trumbull County work very well together," said Petruzzi.
Chief Theobald says that he is very proud of his department for answering the call.
"I believe we have the best fire department. They give their all to service to this community, and other communities when we are asked to do the same. I can't tell you how much I am very proud of the work they do every single day," said Theobald.
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