Many of Tamaqua's uniformed firefighters marched quietly into church Sunday evening in full parade attire to pay both tribute and devotion to all departed firefighters of the Tamaqua Fire Department.

Primitive Methodist, 57 Hunter St., hosted the 84th Annual Tamaqua Volunteer Fireman's Association Memorial Service with a worship service led by the Rev. Rodney Hall.The past year saw the loss of 12 dedicated firemen since the last service was held in May 2012. 9 of those were from East End Fire Company. They included: Thomas A. Blonsky, Alfred A. Borascius, Joseph F. DeLay, Stanley J. "Sonny" Karnish, Adam J. Kast, Larry E. Moore, Jeffery J. Oakes Sr., George W. Tonkin and Jerome W. "Jerry" Zubey.South Ward Fire Company lost George K. Correll. American Hose Company lost Edward Paperman. Citizens Fire Company lost Robert Smigo.The service also included the Fireman's Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, and hymns 'O God Our Help In Ages Past' and 'Abide With Me.'A taps salute was provided by Tim Lehman.Officers of the Tamaqua Volunteer Firemen's Relief Association are: Tony Maff, president; Randy Schock, vice president; Dan Evans, secretary and Nancy Willing, treasurer.The TVFRA memorial committee is comprised of chairman Chris Heffelfinger, co-chairman Bill Weaver, E. J. Yescavage, George Haldeman, Mike Angelo, Robert Amentler, Tom Hartz Jr. and Marc Valentini.The flag committee includes chairman Bob Boyle Sr., co-chair Tom Schlorf and Chris Hartz and Dave Wertman.Those assisting with the graves committee were chairman Keith Oliphant, co-chairman Jay Stidham, Jason Hartz, William Seladones, Jim Fredericks, Robert Stackhouse, Tom Nelson, Dale Hadesty and Mark Bower.