Smock volunteer fireman killed in explosion
Mike Jones
A nearly 40-year veteran of the Smock Volunteer Fire Company died Sunday following an explosion inside his garage, according to state police.
Police reported that William “Kim” Jesko, 69, was taken to WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital after the blast at his home on Pleasant View Smock Road in Menallen Township around 9:45 p.m. Sunday.
“(The) investigation suggests that Jesko was working in his detached garage in close proximity to the air compressor, when for unknown reasons the air compressor ruptured,” state police spokeswoman Trooper Kaylee Barnhart said Monday.
The explosion resulted in the back of the garage being blown out, police said, and no foul play is suspected.
Smock Volunteer Fire Chief Tim Kelly reflected on Jesko’s lifelong dedication to the community and his service.
“He was livewire,” Kelly said. “He was a real good guy, high-spirited and always involved with doing stuff for other people, and not just our fire department, but all over. Everyone in the county knew him. He was always involved and trying to help others.”
Kelly said that Jesko had been part of the department since 1988 as an engineer and still volunteered at the department despite being almost 70 years old.
“He kept up with his training right up until the end,” the fire chief said. “Our hearts go out to his family as they go through this. We’re doing our best to support them and help in any way we can.”