Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday were presented with the Local Government Cooperation award for their work in giving radios to each volunteer fire company in the county and for their role in establishing a firefighting school.

The award, a wooden fire-helmet-shaped plaque with a brass plate, was presented by Don Konkle, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute, Harrisburg; Brian Connely, the group's vice president; and Frank Zangari, president of the county Fire Chiefs Association."We do accept this on behalf of all the residents of Schuylkill County, because that's who we represent," said Commissioners' Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier.He also thanked the organization for its commitment and service."It's incumbent upon us to support what you do every single day," Staudenmeier said.Commissioners George F. Halcovage Jr. praised volunteer firefighters."They care about their neighborhoods, they care about what they do," he said.Commissioner Gary J. Hess said that "public safety is the front-runner of what we strive to do. To make sure of that, whether it's the 911 or to support our fire services."He said that proceeds from dinners and other fundraisers "don't go far" when it comes to paying for training or to replace equipment.Zangari, in his second term as chairman of the statewide advisory board, thanked commissioners for their efforts in funding the county training center."Without those fundings available year after year after year, our volunteers of Schuylkill County would be sinking," he said. "That's what's keeping us afloat."Connely, of Tamaqua, said that previously, the awards have gone to officials in other parts of the state."It's nice to be able to be able to bring this home and thank you for what you've done for us. We appreciate it," he said.