Shoemaker-Haydt American Legion Post 314 honored a Franklin Township firefighter and police officer, and four Lehighton School District elementary students during an awards program Monday night.

Lynn Diehl of the Franklin Township Fire Department was named firefighter of the year, while Jason Doll, Franklin Township police officer, took home officer of the year honors.Diehl said he was surprised and honored to receive the award, while Doll was not in attendance."Every year, we hold this event to celebrate the birthday of the American Legion, this year being the 96th, and to honor the men and women in the area who put their lives on the line responding to emergencies," said Harry J. Wynn III, finance officer for Legion Post 314.Essay winners were Taylor Duncan of Shull-David Elementary School, Abigail Klotz of Mahoning Elementary School, Sophia Coleman of Franklin Elementary School, and Sophia Wentz of East Penn Elementary School.Each student is in fourth grade and received $50 as winners of the contest. The students wrote about what the Pledge of Allegiance means to them."It reminds me of all the soldiers who have fought in wars," Duncan said.Klotz said hearing it makes her feel proud knowing that veterans made sacrifices so she could go to school.For Wentz, the Pledge of Allegiance makes her feel like a respectful citizen who takes pride in her country."I'm proud to recite it in honor of those who defend our freedoms," Coleman said.Judging the contest was not easy."I read them all, and then I got it down to 9 or 10 and had to read those again before I could make a decision," said Larry Heffley, commander of Legion Post 314. "I think it's getting more difficult each year because there are so many fantastic essays."Dennis Wentz, former Lehighton chief of police, was also honored. He was to receive the certificate of appreciation in 2013, but was absent from that banquet.