Back in 2011, when the Lake Harmony and Albrightsville fire companies co-sponsored the first-ever Pennsylvania State Firemen's Association Convention and Parade in Carbon County, there were a lot of surprised people.

It had been announced over a year in advance, and people wondered how a rural community like Lake Harmony could hold such an event.They did hold it, and those who attended had nothing but praise for the local volunteers who put together a week of events in one of the most picturesque regions of the state.Now, Lake Harmony Fire Department is doing it again. When the State Firemen's Association met two weeks ago, members overwhelmingly agreed to let the local department host it a second time.It used to be that mostly major metropolitan areas hosted the convention and parade. Usually the parade was held in the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh suburbs or in a populated area such as Scranton, Gettysburg or Johnstown.Some years ago it was held in Stroudsburg.It makes sense to bring the convention and parade back to the western Poconos.For one thing, Lake Harmony and the surrounding areas have proven to have ample hotel space to accommodate the large number of visitors the event brings.Second, there are plenty of activities for individuals of all ages who attend the convention and parade.Third, the parking for the scores of apparatus brought to the convention and parade is better handled in a setting like Lake Harmony.Finally, the state's largest firetruck manufacturer is located just a few miles from Lake Harmony, which means many of those attending the convention make it mandatory to stop by and visit the KME plant.The convention and parade bring a lot of tourist dollars to Carbon County and the surrounding area. It brings plenty of free advertising to the assets this area has to offer tourists.Mostly, it's a tribute to the ambitious nature of the volunteers of the Lake Harmony Fire Department. It's a known fact that a shortage of volunteer firefighters exists throughout the nation. And it takes plenty of manpower to run a convention and parade.Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon is on the board of directors of the State Firemen's Association of Pennsylvania. Stephen Lilick of Albrightsville is the eastern vice president of the association. Certainly their active involvement in the group assisted in getting the approval for the convention.This year's convention is being held in Meadville, Crawford County, Sept. 24-27. The parade is on the 27th.And one other thing we should point out.At last year's convention and parade held in West Chester, the Lake Harmony Fire Company won the top prize in the parade, Best Overall Appearing Fire Company, while the auxiliary also won first place for Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary.Four pieces of apparatus of the Lake Harmony Fire Company also got first-place trophies in that parade.Winning one state award is prestigious. Winning six state awards is incredible.It proves the volunteers are not only great at battling fire, but also proficient at maintaining equipment and discipline in working as a team.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com