Point Township assistant fire chief's family remembered for dedication to department after fatal fire

Mar. 5—POINT TOWNSHIP — Wendy Filbert was well known throughout the region for her dedication to fire departments and her son, Michael John Filbert was known for his loving personality.

The 63-year-old woman and her 40-year-old stepson died tragically after smoke filled their home on Johns Way in Point Township early Monday morning.

Wendy Filbert's son, Michael Erdman, an assistant fire chief in Point Township, was the first to arrive to his mother's house at 12:45 a.m. after being woken by his 911 pager alerting him of a fire.

Erdman said the home filled with smoke and by the time firefighters were able to get to his mother and stepbrother, they had inhaled a large amount of smoke.

Firefighter were able to save Erdman's stepfather, Michael Filbert, who was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, in Allentown, where he was listed in stable condition.

"I am at a loss for words really," Erdman told The Daily Item on Monday. "I am overwhelmed with the amount of support I am getting from departments across the entire Valley."

Erdman said his mother was no stranger to the department or to firefighters across the region.

"She did so much work behind the scenes," Erdman said. "She was involved in fundraising and even donated her time as our bartender where she would come in and open and close for us."

Erdman said his mother became involved in the fire department in the mid-80s and never left.

"She would make sure we all had water at scenes, or make sure we were fed when we came back from longer calls," he said. "I am devastated."

Erdman said his stepbrother, who was disabled, was the life of the party and loved by all he met.

"He was a social butterfly and loved everyone," he said. "He loved sports and knew everything about all sports. If you challenged him with a question he would always get it right."

Erdman said he has been receiving calls from other fire departments across the region expressing their condolences.

Fire officials said a state police fire marshal was on scene investigating. Erdman said the fire was not suspicious.

Northumberland County Coroner Jim Kelley said an autopsy is being done tomorrow morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital Allentown, Forensic Pathology Associates, on both individuals.

Kelley said both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Fire departments from across the region posted condolences and support messages on social media for the family throughout the day Monday.

One of those, Sunbury Assistant Fire Chief Jay Long, who was at the scene of the fire and took command of the scene on request of Point Township, said the department is saddened by the loss of Erdman's family members.

"This is a very sad day," he said. "On behalf of the Sunbury Fire Department, we want the family and Point Township to know we are here for them for anything they need."

A gofundme site was set up Monday and anyone wishing to donate to the family can visit the site and type Support The Filbert Family.