Bristol Twp Police Officers Commerated for Valor in Rehab Facility Explosion

Bristol Township Police Officers that responded to the catastrophic explosion at the Bristol Health and Rehab facility were honored for putting their lives on the line that day last December 23.

Police Chief C.J. Winnik, with loved ones, family and friends looking on in a packed Council chamber, said awards for valor are not given out so easily.

The massive gas explosion and subsequent fire severely damaged the building. The tragedy resulted in three fatalities and left approximately 20 other individuals injured. 

I am truly proud of how these officers responded with courage above personal risk exemplifying true valor, Winnik said.

The honorees are:

Lieutenants Mark Titus and Patrick Kitchenman

Sergeants Kurt Leacock, Dennis Leighton and Jason Mancuso.

Corporal Joshua Bausch

Detectives Jason Jennings Ashley Landis, and Emilyann Mylette

Officers John Dob, Brandon Katz, Alexia Kondos, Michael Leonhauser, (Animal Control) William O’Brien, Daniel Regan, Ben Silverman and Thomas Van Winkle

The investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire remains ongoing and active by federal officials.

Several lawsuits alleging negligence were filed earlier this year against the facility by former patients and or their families.