Congratulations to Keith 'Sarge' Eschleman who received a letter of commendation from the Reading Police Department at Engine 9's station on May 8, 2007.
On March 14, 2007, Firefighter Eschleman was at the same station working the night shift while a Reading Police Officer was making a traffic stop nearby. Eschleman wasn't aware of the traffic stop but when the suspect in the vehicle ran from the police officer he ran near the fire station at North Ninth and Marion Streets where Eschleman was sitting outside.
The officer caught up with the suspect and attempted to apprehend him. A struggle ensued and Eschleman stepped in to assist the officer. The suspect was subdued by the pair and was handcuffed by the officer. A fully loaded handgun was discovered stuffed in the waistband of the suspects trousers.
The commendation thanked Eschleman for stepping in to assist and noted that without his help the situation could have turned out much differently.
