Members of the Quakake Fire Company held a truck housing for their new Internationa KME pumper-tanker.

The fire company purchased the truck from Kovatch for $223,000."This truck replaces our 1992/1993 International KME, which was sold to a fire company in Oakland Township," said Fire Chief Scott Brill Jr.The program started off with a prayer and blessing by Pastor Bob Adams, who praised the hard work and efforts by all the volunteers firefighters.Lorraine Argust, 92, who wasn't able to attend the ceremony, was recognized as the oldest living female member of the fire company. Also recognized was Dan Metzger, 86, who serves as the fire company's oldest living male member."In early 1940, East End Fire Company (of Tamaqua) responded to a fire call in the valley of Quakake. While rounding a turn in the road at the former Ben Levick Hotel, the fire truck overturned, resulting in the deaths of two of East End's firefighters," said Metzger, stating one of the reasons why the Quakake Fire Company, charted in 1941, was created.Currently, the fire company stores their fire apparatus in a building located on Elmer Heckman Street. Part of their building is shared with and rented to the Unites States Post Office. They also own the social hall on Second Street.Line officers recognized were Brill Jr., deputy chief Art Frye, assistant chief Todd Witkowski, Wesley Konsavage, safety officer Dyllyn Trexler and fire police Captain Matt Moyer. Executive officers recognized were President Matt Moyer, Vice President Art Frye, secretary Lorraine "Sissy" Brill, treasurer Mary Gallo, assistant secretary/treasurer Nancy Neifert and trustees Daniel Metzger, Allen Witkowski and Elden Neifert Jr.The late William Fegley and the late Manual Garcia were also recongized during the program.Brill Jr. said some benefits of the new truck are a 2,300 gallon tank vs the old 1,500 gallon tank, on-board cameras, live controls, updated reflective markings and expandable storage bays.The new truck also consists of a combination front suction and discharge assembly.During the housing ceremony, Brill Jr. stated the fire company's enthusiasm and appreciation for the new truck. He added that the fire company will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016.