Derek Marouchoc, an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Nesquehoning Hose Company, was recently named Fireman of the Year.

The annual award recognizes members who go above and beyond what is routinely expected.Marouchoc has been a member of the company since the age of 14, and has recently completed his Firefighter 1 certification.Marouchoc is known as the go-to person at the station. Whenever there is a need, members know that they can turn to him to get the job accomplished.The son of Gerry and Terry Marouchoc of Nesquehoning, Derek is currently enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College, where he is studying criminal justice. He is a 2011 graduate of Panther Valley High School and attained the rank of Eagle Scout this past August.The Nesquehoning Hose Company Fireman of the Year award was started in 2003 at the request of Fire Chief John McArdle. He formed a committee to select someone from the Hose Company that goes above and beyond in their service to the community as well as to the organization.