Penn East commenced the second annual First Responder Award on December 01, 2025. This award extends from Penn East’s diligence to honoring two extraordinary persons: Milinda and Gus Catalano. Gus was a well-respected paramedic and mentor in Lackawanna County; however, this award allows anyone in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, or Wyoming County a chance to nominate another respectable and dedicated first responder.
Prior to this award, Penn East donated $5,000 to several no-kill shelters and non-profits to honor the additional commitment of the project: helping animals in need.
Recognizing Our First Responders
Similar to last year, Penn East pooled nominations from all four counties. Penn East was specifically looking for an individual who exhibited bravery and selflessness. Each entry undergone a review process until ten entries were selected and a final vote was conducted by Senior Staff.
2025 Award Recipient: Matthew Gallagher
Penn East FCU is pleased to announce the 2025 Milinda Project First Responder Award winner! This annual award honors local first responders and continues the legacy of Milinda and her husband Gus, who both valued service to others.
This year’s recipient is a Patrolman and EMT, who serves Lackawanna County, Matthew Gallagher. Matthew has ten years of first responder experience, but his involvement began long before his professional career.
Matthew’s Start in Public Service
At fourteen years old, Matthew joined the Moscow Fire Company as a Junior Firefighter. By sixteen, he earned his EMT certification and began responding to calls. These early steps shaped his path in public safety and set the foundation for his work today.
Service Across Multiple Roles
For the past six years, Matthew has served as a police officer with the Dickson City Police Department. He often volunteers for extra shifts and continues to work with Penn Ambulance and Pocono Regional Ambulance to keep his EMT skills active.
His EMT background has directly supported his police work. One nomination example described Matthew performing CPR during a critical call, keeping a victim alive until medical support arrived. He later received a lifesaving award for that response.
Impact on the Community
Matthew’s nomination described the steady support he provides to families during emergencies, the guidance he offers to younger responders, and the calm presence he brings to difficult situations. These day-to-day actions form much of his impact and how he approaches his work.
A Mother’s Perspective
Matthew was nominated by his mother, Kristen Gallagher. Her submission reflected a clear admiration for the work he has done from a young age and the consistency with which he serves others. Her nomination stood out for its sincerity and detail, and it ultimately helped secure the winning votes.
Matthew’s Perspective in His Own Words
When asked what first inspired him to become a first responder, Matthew said he grew up spending time at the local fire company with his father and “saw how calm and professional the responders were during emergencies.” Those early experiences, he said, “set the direction for everything that followed.”
On serving the community, Matthew shared that it means helping maintain “a safe and secure environment for our present and future generations.”
He also said he is “humbled and honored” to be selected for this year’s award.
What His Department Shared
Shortly after the announcement, the Dickson City Police Department posted a message recognizing Matthew for his work during several major incidents. They highlighted his Medal of Merit for assisting firefighters in a low angle rope rescue involving a person suffering from hypothermia.
They also noted his recent work during the fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City earlier this week. Matthew was the first officer to arrive and helped coordinate evacuations, direct responding units, and organize medical support for patients and staff during a fast moving and widely reported emergency.
The department closed by thanking Matthew for his professionalism and dedication to the community, stating that his service does not go unnoticed.
Honoring the Values of Milinda and Gus
This award was created to honor first responders and support causes important to Milinda and Gus. Matthew’s commitment to his community reflects the purpose of the Milinda Project. Matthew was gifted a plaque and a $2,500 check for his dedication and perseverance in providing community safety in more than one way.
Furthermore, Penn East catered a luncheon for the Dickson City Police as a way to thank them for their continued efforts.
We congratulate Matthew Gallagher on being selected and thank all the nominees and community members who participated. Milinda’s message “I appreciate you” continues to guide this project and our commitment to recognizing those who serve.
Penn East FCU’s Milinda Project: First Responder Award 2026 nomination period will open next December, so remember to stay up-to-date on our continued efforts to honor our local heroes!
About Penn East Federal Credit Union
“Have a positive impact on our members, our community, and each other.” That is the common thread that goes across all of Penn East Federal Credit Union’s endeavors. With over eighty-five years in business and 24,000 members, the community-oriented credit union is a vital part of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Penn East FCU serves Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties with four branches and a 24/7 digital banking service through their website www.penneastfcu.org and their Penn East Mobile Banking App. Penn East FCU provides trusted financial solutions, integrity, and reliability to its members and community.
