Farrell woman to be honored for rescue

FARRELL, Pa. -- Gertrude Bagnall will be honored Saturday for her actions during the Feb. 18 explosion at New Covenant Christian Center Church of God in Christ here.
Bagnall, a city resident, was the first on the scene, and without thought for her own safety, rushed into the crumbled building to people inside before the arrival of safety forces, banquet organizers said.
She helped the Rev. Barbara McCrae get out of the building and into a waiting ambulance. She also began to remove debris enveloping Bruce Davis, a New Castle, Pa., construction worker remodeling the church, until rescue workers arrived.
The Rev. Ms. McCrae was hospitalized for several days at Sharon Regional Health System. Davis was treated at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Furnace caused blast
There was no fire, but a neighbor said the blast caused vibrations that were felt as far away as two blocks. Authorities pointed to a furnace boiler in the church basement as the cause of the accident.
Saturday's "Celebrate a Hero" benefit will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Hermitage Fire Hall, corner of Mercer Avenue and Morefield Road. Entrance to the parking lot is from Mercer Avenue only.
Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited. Call (724) 981-3033 or (724) 981-5643.