PPH team member recognized for heroic gesture - Philadelphia Protestant Home
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PPH team member recognized for heroic gesture

Posted on: Feb 25, 2022

PPH IT Support Administrator Albert Eschert has always embodied the core values of PPH over the 16 years he has worked in the community, and that was never more apparent than it was on the morning of Jan. 11 as Albert was en route to PPH.

Albert, a Fishtown resident who commutes to and from PPH using the Market-Frankford Line, arrived at the Tioga Station early that morning and swiped his SEPTA TransPass, just as he does every workday. As he was walking to the platform where he would eventually board, he heard the screams of someone yelling for help.

A man had fallen onto the tracks but did not have enough strength to pull himself all the way up onto the platform. Albert ran up the crossover steps and down to the other side of the platform, put his coffee and workbag aside and sprang into action.

The man was able to pull himself halfway up, and Albert reached down and grabbed the man by his waist and was able to pull him onto the platform and out of danger.

PA State Senator Tina Tartaglione with Albert

“You are truly a real hero,” said PA State Senator Tina Tartaglione on Feb. 23 in the PPH Social Hall when Albert was recognized for his actions that January morning.

Phil Grutzmacher from State Representative Jared Solomon’s office presented a citation from the PA House of Representatives to Albert. (Jared was unable to attend but stopped by PPH later that week to personally congratulate Albert)

Phil Grutzmacher Staff member of State Representative Jared Solomon with Albert

“Through his valiant efforts, a potentially tragic situation reflects most highly on him and will long be remembered and appreciated,” the citation reads.

SEPTA representatives were in attendance to thank Albert for his heroic, quick-thinking action.

“We never know how or when our Guardian Angels will manifest themselves, but on that cold, January morning as this man yelled out for help, you revealed yourself and changed the course of his life forever,” said SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel.

SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel with Albert

PPH President & CEO John Dubyk presented Albert with a gift from a partner of PPH, American Heritage Credit Union — four tickets to see his beloved Philadelphia Flyers!

PPH President & CEO John Dubyk with Albert

“I’ve known Albert almost five years and he always goes above and beyond for our residents. His heroic efforts did not surprise me,” said John.

As for Albert himself, he says he was just doing what he knew to be the right thing.

I’m glad I was there for that gentleman to pull him out of the track area and doing what I could do; a typical citizen just helping one another out,” he said, noting that it was an honor to be recognized.

What Residents Say

"In my nine years at PPH, I’ve grown to like it very much. At first, I felt like a stranger and then as I began to talk to people, we increasingly became good friends. A way to meet people is to join clubs. I’m now part of the PPH Auxiliary. I love helping with their flea markets because you never know what you can find. Recently, I’ve joined an evening quilting class. I love that I can continue to enjoy my life outside of PPH while experiencing the offers here.…especially the pool! Everything is just so convenient.

– Lucille Hite, Independent Living resident

What Families Say

"My mom is sooo happy at PPH, I can’t even describe it in strong enough words. She’s met so many new friends and these ladies do EVERYTHING together! She sees Dad every day in Pathways, but can have her life too. She’s gone to so many activities and I think I’ve already been to Scoops with her at least 15 times. She loves the dining room and Bistro too. My sister, Ilene, and I are so delighted that Mom is happy.......Wow, it feels like Mom’s been there about 2 years—but it’s only 2 months!! That’s how comfortable and natural it feels for her – and for all of us.

– Rhonda Frenkel, daughter of resident Bernice Segal

Philadelphia Protestant Home