The Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association will award the Medal of Valor to Youngsville Borough Police Officer Benjamin Leach for rescuing a man from a fire.

Officer Leach was called to 16 Robertson Drive in Youngsville Borough for a fire with a person trapped inside April 3.

Neighbors told Leach the occupant of the trailer on fire was still inside and probably asleep due to his work schedule and disabilities, according to the Association.

With flames inside the trailer showing from the front porch preventing entry, Leach started pounding on the windows in an attempt to wake up the man without success.

Leach then discovered a small, rear door behind the trailer, kicked open the door and went room-to-room with the fire chief to search for the occupant, Richard Young, who was found asleep in a bedroom, the Association said. They immediately awoke Young and helped him escape to safety.

The Chiefs of Police Association said Officer Leach put himself in extreme risk by going into the burning trailer to save the man's life, demonstrating "the highest traditions of the police service."

Leach will be presented with the Medal of Valor during the Association's annual Christmas party Saturday night.