Pennsylvania Firefighters Struggle to Cope With Deadly Accident

Emergency responders are still trying to cope with emotions after a deadly wreck Monday in Lackawanna County claimed the life of a young boy.

“It is horrific, it’s devastating, and no matter how much training you have to prepare you for what you have to go in on, there’s no training for that, there’s no training,” said Chief John Stemphoski of Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Company.

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Investigators said Monday, a sport utility vehicle was hit from behind by a car along Dark Regions Road in Ransom Township. Cole Hazelton, not quite two years old, of Scranton who was strapped in the back of the Jeep died, despite efforts to save him.

Lt. Tony DeCicco was one of the first firefighters on the scene. He tried to pull Cole to safety, but could not.

“I can’t even talk about it, it just, yeah, I can’t. I’m sorry,” said Lt. DeCicco.

The crew at Newton-Ransom held a special debriefing about the crash Tuesday night. Professionals were brought in to help the emergency workers cope.

“You always think about the kids,” said Chief Stemphoski.

Many of those at the fire station have worked as firefighters for decades, including the chief who has been a firefighter for 39 years.

They said some calls they will always remember and this was one of those calls.

“It’s just one of those days you never forget,” said DeCicco.

Copyright © 2011, WNEP-TV

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