WHEREAS, Joshua Pagan graduated from Frankford High School in 2017, where he excelled as both a student and athlete, serving as senior class president, salutatorian, and peer group mentor, while also captaining the Frankford Pioneers baseball team to a Philadelphia City Championship; and
WHEREAS, Through his leadership in the classroom, on the baseball field, and in mentoring his peers, Joshua developed a deep commitment to lifting those around him, a commitment he carried with him into his service with the Philadelphia Fire Department as a member of Engine 41; and
WHEREAS
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In March 2026, while working overtime with Engine 54 and assigned to the “Tip Position” for that shift, Joshua was helping extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul operations on the second floor when the floor collapsed halfway into the basement, sending him down the stairs; and
WHEREAS, After freeing himself, Joshua immediately returned to the danger to rescue four of his fellow firefighters, pulling them from the rubble and helping bring them to safety in an extraordinary act of courage, selflessness, and brotherhood; and
WHEREAS, Joshua’s actions reflect the very best of Philadelphia’s firefighters and the deep commitment to community that has defined his life, from Frankford High School to the Philadelphia Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, As a proud member of Philadelphia’s Latino community, Joshua’s actions and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to young people across the City, demonstrating that leadership is built through service, that courage means standing up for others, and that our communities are strengthened by those who put the lives and well-being of others before their own; and
WHEREAS, On October 6, 2026, Joshua was honored as Philadelphia’s Firefighter of the Year, becoming the first Latino firefighter to receive the distinction and marking a historic moment for Philadelphia’s Latino community and the Fire Department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates Firefighter Joshua Pagan for his extraordinary bravery, selfless service, and commitment to protecting his fellow firefighters and the people of Philadelphia, and celebrates his historic recognition as Firefighter of the Year.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Joshua Pagan as a symbol of the gratitude, admiration, and pride of the Council of the City of Philadelphia and the people of Philadelphia.
End