Cutting expenses for prizes didn't stop Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company from recognizing firefighters and fire police at the annual Valentine's Day dinner and dance held Saturday at the fire station.

Instead of the usual array of prizes, State Representatives Doyle Heffley presented Pennsylvania House of Representative Certificates of Recognition to honor seven firefighters and four fire police for giving at least 20 years of service and dedication to the community through their efforts at the fire company.Honored were Bruce Wolfe, fire chief, who has served for 41 years; Kevin Lilly, lieutenant, for 38 years; Lynn Diehl, assistant fire chief, 37 years; Dale Ahner, 36 years; Bob Mertz, 34 years; Mark Goodhile, 34 years; Todd Hawk, 23 years; and fire police, Raymond Moyer, 37 years; Francis Kresge, 28 years as fire police and over 12 as a firefighter; Steven B. Everett, 26 years; and Russell Jeffries, 20 years. Other firefighters were recognized with service pins, Chauncy Hearn, 10 years; John Venuto, Austin Crostley and Zach Werner received five year pins.Wolfe served as master of ceremonies. Wolfe said that the fire company has about 100 active volunteers between the ladies auxiliary, fire fighters and fire police, but that it takes a lot of people to continue fire fighting and fundraising efforts.He commended the ladies auxiliary for their fundraising efforts and firefighters for undergoing training and training others, plus snow plowing and education within the fire company and community."We have no incidents of juvenile arson in the community because of the great education that is offered to the children," he said.Wolfe said that fire fighting equipment is expensive. He said that the pumper cost $450,000 and the tanker was $266,000. He noted that the fire company is training to be certified in rescue as firefighters. He noted that the fire company is certified in swift-water rescue."It really does take everyone to do the job," noted Wolfe.Heffley said that he was honored to be able to recognize the firefighters.Heffley had the opportunity to see the fire company in action when his daughter was involved in a crash in Franklin Township last month."I want to thank you personally for all they you do," he said. "You cut the roof off the car and helped take care of the five patients."Heffley said, "You couldn't have done what you do without taking the first steps of being a volunteer," he said. "I want you to know that everyone appreciates what you do. Thank you for all that you do."