Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company recently honored its members for their dedication to their community.

At the annual appreciation banquet, held Saturday, a number of volunteers and friends of the fire company were recognized; the 2014 officers were sworn in and the Ladies' Auxiliary presented a $14,400 donation.President William Smith welcomed everyone to the event.He thanked Fire Chief Bill Tippett, Bernie Shea and their crew for their hard work in maintaining the building and grounds; and Matt Schessler for taking care of the hall bookings and other special events, such as the annual golf tournament, which raised $5,000 for the fire company.Tippett was in charge of the $75,000 tanker refurbishing project, which returned the 21-year-old vehicle to like-new condition and saved the fire company from having to purchase a brand new truck for $650,000."I want to say thank you to everyone," Tippett said. "I said last year I'd try harder to say 'thank you' and 'please' more often to everyone who is here and to everyone who couldn't make it."He noted that the fire company responded to 193 calls in 2013, down from 2012."But we didn't have the hurricane," he pointed out.In 2012, following Superstorm Sandy, the fire company volunteers helped remove downed trees and fill sandbags; as well as opened a Red Cross shelter for area residents.Tippett also thanked the husbands and wives of the volunteers for being supportive of the jobs the volunteers do and the time it takes to be a firefighter. Last year, the volunteers trained 1,364 hours."It's a lot of hard work," he said, noting the company is working to build better relationships with neighboring companies, often doing joint training and communications. They have learned what equipment other companies have in case something is needed or Polk can provide something needed elsewhere. "Thank you for all your support and help with the grief. It's a tough job but we enjoy it."Tippett added that the fire company received a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for new turnout equipment; and a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency grant for thermal imaging equipment for search and rescue.Supervisor Nancy May was there to swear in the emergency management coordinator, fire police and firemen. She said any time the fire company needs something it knows where to find her.The 2014 officers are Tippett, fire chief; Aaron Keller, first assistant chief; Rich Beck, second assistant chief; Matt Schessler, first captain; Rick Sherer, second captain; and Al Keller, Derrick Burger, Tim Overpeck and Eric Bailey, engineers.Following announcements, Edna Schoenberger, president of the Ladies' Auxiliary, presented Smith with a check for $14,400, bringing the total donated by the auxiliary over the years to $35,000.Schoenberger then introduced the officers of the auxiliary Shirley Haydt, vice president; Sue Shoemaker, secretary; Mel Schessler, treasurer; Dorothy Kreger, booking; and Vickie Serfass, corresponding secretary.Volunteers were also recognized. They included Scott Abraham and Jackie Kile for their help with Bingo; Al Keller, who has been with the company for 40 years and takes care of the trucks; Larry Weibley, who was the treasurer and president and has helped with Bingo for 35 years; Rick Beck, a 25-year member who previously served as chief and does computer work for the fire company; and John Kline Jr., who began as a junior firefighter and has worked on building and grounds for 20 years.Schessler and Tippett received 15-year plaques; while Derrick Burger received a 10-year plaque.Other announcements made included Polk Township provided hepatitis vaccinations that make fire fighting safer for the personnel.Recruitment was successful. Ten people joined over the year and five of them are still with the company.The volunteers toured the Pocono Raceway and drove the trucks on the track.A new truck fund has been opened.The meal was supplied by Jeff Embro; while The McWilliams Brothers closed the program with music for dancing.