CLEARFIELD – Fallen teen firefighter, Jeffrey Scott Buck Jr., of the Lawrence Township Fire Company No. 1 was honored during a ceremony conducted by the Pennsylvania Military Order of the Purple Heart Saturday at the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1785.
A Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is posthumously awarded to the next of kin of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
“It’s a medal that no one ever wants to receive,” said John E. DeLaney, commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart, Pennsylvania Chapter 519. “… It’s especially a combat decoration.”
The Military Order of the Purple Heart was established in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of those who have received the decoration. It is comprised of Purple Heart recipients and the only service organization strictly for “combat veterans.”
DeLaney said for several years prior to Sept. 11, 2001, the Military Order of the Purple Heart honored police officers and firefighters killed or wounded in the line of duty.
“They are the front line troops that battle daily to control peace and tranquility in our society and allow each of us to pursue our daily activities,” he said.
DeLaney said the Military Order of the Purple Heart wanted to honor Buck for his resolute actions and wounds received in the performance of his duties in fighting a house fire March 3 on Daisy Street, Clearfield.
He presented Buck’s girlfriend, Katlyn Mitchell, with a memorial plaque during the ceremony. “We are honored to have the friends, family and brother firefighters here with us today,” he said.
“… I, myself, did not know this young firefighter. My understanding is that he was a terrific volunteer and brother who was loved by everyone. I must say that I had a lot of my brothers who were the same as Jeffrey.
“I think of them every day. They are my brothers. They are my fallen heroes who will never be forgotten.”