Lineworker Brian Chuzas is proof that PPL Electric Utilities’ commitment to safety — and keeping others safe — extends far beyond the company’s service centers and work sites.
While finishing up a recent repair job with his crew in Pittston Township, Luzerne County, Brian saw thick smoke in the sky. Something didn’t feel right, so he decided to check it out.
It’s a good thing he did.
When Brian got closer, he saw a house on fire. He quickly called 911 and stayed on the phone to give updates. At the house, another person was trying to get inside, yelling for anyone who might be trapped.
Brian went up to the door, kicked it in and found a three-year-old girl crying on the other side.
“I put my hand out and said, ‘let’s get out of here,'” Chuzas said.
He walked the girl outside and brought her to the other man assisting. But the girl started yelling for her parents, sending Brian back into the burning house to find them.
He searched the first floor, then ran upstairs to check the bedrooms and bathroom before heading back downstairs to look in the kitchen.
“As I got to the kitchen, I could see some stairs to the basement and there was an inferno,” Chuzas said. “Then I heard something blow up in the kitchen and reality kicked in. I could feel heat from the fire. That’s when the 911 dispatcher said I needed to get out of the house. I started making my way out of the house and yelling for the parents.”
As Brian left the house, he saw what he believed were the parents and shouted for them to escape. By then, firefighters had arrived and were ready to help.
PPL Electric crews always identify their location with an address in their pre-job discussions, so Brian was readily able to provide an accurate location to the 911 dispatcher.
“I’m just thankful that I was able to help and that everyone got out OK,” Chuzas said.
Thank you Brian. This is truly heroic, you make the world a better place.
That was a wonderful thing that he did!
He should receive an award for his bravery! He could have died trying to help but instead he saved the whole family!!
He should s an example of the people we need in our community!!
Awesome ! Great story ! That’s what this country needs is more heroes and less jerks. Way to go Brian!
Thank you, Brian, for your extraordinary bravery! Thank goodness the whole family got out safely!
What an act of bravery ! It’s nice to read these kind of things . Bless you
It is so good to know that there are still ‘extra mile’ heroes among us. Thank you, Brian, for basically saving three precious lives.
AWESOME Another reason why PPL is number one.
Thank you, Brian. And thanks for posting this story. As a widow who lives alone, it is so comforting to know that I am surrounded by people like Brian. You are a hero! Thank you for your kindness!
The line men face danger every day their on the job and then Brian went above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Brian.
That is an amazing story to share. Thank you for saving that family.
Thank you Brian for your bravery to save this family!!May God Bless you and keep you safe!!
You are a true hero. Bravery and courage to do what needs to be done.
Brian really proved how a courageous & life saving hero thinks & acts –
& it was fast, no time wasting.
Awesome work Brian!😇
PPL and his friends/family should be very proud of Brian Chuzas. It takes a hero to actively run into the fray and take action. Terrific courage on his part.
What a happy outcome from Brian’s altruistic act, bravery, and quick decisions! Many thanks, Brian. A fine example for all.
Hero!
God bless you for saving the family!! What bravery.
Thank You Brian for following your instinct, you linemen are the best of the best always there to lend a helping hand and in many cases save lives which is at the top on the life chain. May your days ahead be safe and rewarding God watch over all these angels. Tom