This past spring, Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon was named "Emergency Services Person of the Year" by the township. At the recent Pa. State Firemen's Association convention in Luzerne County, Lennon was the recipient of the James A. Miller Award, which recognizes him as "Fireman of the Year" for the entire state.

He was one of two emergency responders from Lake Harmony to receive statewide recognition at the convention. Scott Wuttke, an Emergency Medical Technician with the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad, also received the "EMT Leadership Award."

A year ago, a third Lake Harmony responder was honored at the state convention, at that time held in King of Prussia. Dan Plavin was the recipient of the "Junior Firefighter Award."

"It's wonderful that our department is getting such recognition," said Lennon, a volunteer firefighter for half a century, as he pointed out that the fire department in general has won 27 trophies this year in various fire services competitions. The department won seven awards at the state firemen's convention, including a first place for its marching unit.

Most of the trophies were for apparatus.

"We keep our apparatus in good condition. The guys learn how things work and that's why we've done so well," Lennon said.

Lennon was also thrilled by the individual awards.

"The fact we won last year (Junior Firefighter) and two this year from the whole state is mind boggling," he said.

Next year, the fire company will having a first. According to records of the Pa. State Firemen's Association, it will be the first Carbon County fire department to ever host the group's annual convention. Co-host will be the Albrightsville Fire Company.

The event will be held Sept. 21-24, with a parade held in Lake Harmony on the final day. The convention is expected to attract more than 10,000 firefighters and visitors to Lake Harmony.

Lennon was named co-chairman of the Pa. State Firemen's Association Convention and Parade Committee. He's credited with leading the campaign for a new aerial truck in the township and for providing leadership during a new building construction project that is nearing completion.

The James A. Miller Memorial "A" Award honors those individuals who by their service contributed to the welfare and improvements of the fire service in Pennsylvania "in an outstanding manner."

In March, the Kidder Township Supervisors named Lennon recipient of the "W. David Carew – Emergency Services Person of the Year" award recipient.

Lennon began his firefighting career in 1960 when he joined the Marion Hose Company of Jim Thorpe, remaining with the fire company until it dissolved in 1965.

In 1965, he moved to Cheltenham Township, and joined the Glenside Fire Company in Montgomery County where he remained an active member for more than 32 years, including three as fire chief.

Upon retirement, he moved back to Carbon County, locating in Lake Harmony where he served as a volunteer, participating primarily in the summer months. He has been a member of the Lake Harmony Fire Department since 1965.

He has served as chief for the past six years, and was assistant chief prior to that.

Logs of the fire company show he responds to over 95 percent of all the township's emergency calls every year, sometimes being the only responder. The state association, in presenting him with the award, said, "His firefighting experience enables him to provide the needed leadership to old and new members and to make intelligent decisions on the fire ground."

Besides being fire chief, he is a board member of the Lake Harmony Resque Squad and Ambulance Corps, and is often called upon to serve as an emergency driver (usually in the middle of the night) for the ambulance company.

The award recipient is credited with leading the movement to secure a 105-foot ladder truck to serve Kidder Township and the surrounding areas. The apparatus has proven to be invaluable numerous times at