As Justin Markell is fully aware, respect is not given, it's earned.

For his exceptional volunteer efforts, Markell was recognized last week by his peers as the 2017 Firefighter of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 256, Lehighton.The award is given to an outstanding volunteer firefighter at the Lehigh Fire Company No. 1 of Lehighton.Harry J. Wynn III, past commander of the VFW, said this year marked the 21st annual award presented by the VFW.Markell, of Mahoning Township, said he was honored to be chosen for the award."I was extremely surprised; I wasn't expecting it at all," Markell said. "There was a number of people probably that I would have picked before myself."Wynn lauded Markell for the significant role he plays in the fire department."He doesn't need a title to be a leader," Wynn said. "He puts others before himself."A firefighter with the fire department since 2004, Markell said the fire company is made up of a good group of people who are very dedicated, train and work hard."I think it's a reflection on the whole department," he said of the award. "I think they all work together very well."Firefighters who received the award in past years are: Larry Diehl, Rodney Rehnert, Gary Frable, Michael Mriss, Wayne E. Nothstein, Dave Oswald, Jim Hauser, Paul Mriss, Steve Ebbert, Chris Ritter, Scott Nothstein, Patrick Mriss, John Kuller, Martin Spezialetti, Justin Klotz, Joseph Flickinger, Jason A. Nothstein, Douglas J. Nothstein, Daniel Oswald Jr. and Marc Hottenstein.