The Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company recently held its annual recognition and holiday party at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club in Palmerton.

Rory Koons, president of the fire company, said this year marks the 85th anniversary of providing service to the residents of Aquashicola and Lower Towamensing Township.In March, the department held an anniversary banquet where they recognized the George family, of George's Plumbing & Heating in Palmerton, and paid tribute to former Fire Chief, Gary C. Koons, who passed away suddenly, and thanked all past and present members for their efforts and contributions.Koons said the fire department has had a tremendous year, beginning with the anniversary celebration, and continuing with being voted a finalist in Johnsonville's Best Volunteer Fire Company in America.He thanked everyone who voted for the fire company. The fire company received a $1,000 donation, and nine cases of Johnsonville Grillers.Koons said they donated the grillers to the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches, the local food pantry.The fire company experienced a very good holiday filling sale, Koons said. Since partnering with the Blue Mountain Health Adult Day Service, he said the fire company has provided nearly $5,000 to the Day Care for their client day trips, entertainment and socials."This is a wonderful fundraiser that assists us immensely, and affords us the opportunity to give back to the community," Koons said. "In June, we took delivery of our new 2,000-gallon tank truck and formally dedicated it to my brother. This was the first time in the 85-year-history we have ever dedicated a piece of equipment to an individual."The company also demolished the duplex structure adjacent to the fire station, and sold the reserve tank truck to a rural fire department in Rhea, Tennessee. The tank truck will aid a rural and less fortunate fire company, Koons said."That aside from all these activities, we found time to train, fight fires, respond to over 100 alarms, and successfully procure one state and one federal grant," he said. "Now, that's a commitment by some very dedicated men and supportive families."SpeakersState Rep. Doyle Heffley, a resident of the township, thanked his local fire company and all volunteer fire companies and their members for their dedication to their communities.He said that after a long day and traveling home past the fire company, he was impressed to see the volunteers out training and utilizing the two homes aside the station, honing their skills.Heffley added that our volunteers save the state and our communities a great deal of money, and vowed to offer whatever support he could to keep our volunteers safe and funded.Also present were members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Lehighton barracks. Before Koons introduced the troopers, he recognized their role and presence in helping with the recent search and apprehension of one of America's top fugitives.Trooper Shawn Noonan of the Lehighton barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police discussed the annual golf tournament, a fundraising benefit and memorial to their former friend and police communication's officer, Gary "Lumpy" Koons.Cpl. Noonan said after Gary's untimely death, he and Detective Joe Campbell wanted to do something to recognize Gary.He said Lumpy had two passions; one was golfing and the other his fire company. It was only fitting that they would organize a golf tournament, and the funds raised would go to the fire company.RecognitionNoonan presented a check to the fire company for $4,500.With this check, they have provided nearly $10,000 in Lumpy's honor.Assistant Fire Chief Pete Beblavy gave a brief overview of the fire department's life membership qualifications, and recognized the two recipients this year: Earl Paules and Mike Snyder.They have both personally helped fund several projects, and collectively, have offered their company's personnel and resources to aid in the betterment of not only the fire department, but their community, as well, Beblavy said.Beblavy offered a life membership to both Donald Reinhard, Pencor Services Inc. chairman of the board emeritus, and Fred Reinhard, Pencor Services Inc. chairman of the board.Don Reinhard, who was on hand, accepted his life membership.Koons recognized community groups and leaders who have provided service and support to the department:• Horsehead Community Development Fund, represented by board member John Kisthardt.• Braun Bleamer of Jet Signs, was recognized for his donation of reflective lettering on the new tank truck.• Paules offered another donation, and was thanked for his ongoing assistance with various projects.• Cindy Gasper and Denise Gilbert were recognized for their annual contribution, along with Bernie and Debbie Shea for their many donations.• Jeff and Harry Shupp for their continued assistance with repairs and maintenance.• Township Supervisor Jesse Mendez for the township's continued support and assistance wherever and whenever needed.Dennis Behler, assistant fire chief of the Palmerton Fire Department, and his son Jason, a borough councilman, were asked to come forward to accept a small token.Koons said his brother Gary had begun taking photographs of the construction of the new Palmerton Fire Station. Koons finished the project.He gave a CD with the photos to the Behlers for their preservation and as part of the archives. The Behlers thanked Koons and the department for their continued relationship.True heroesKoons spoke of the heroes, including those who died 73 years ago at Pearl Harbor and trooper Bryon Dickson and trooper Alex Douglass. Dickson was killed in an attack at Blooming Grove police barracks. Douglass was wounded and is recovering from the attack.Koons reported that last year, 101 firefighters died in the line of duty, while currently 82 firefighters have made the supreme sacrifice.The event concluded by honoring those heroes by playing a short video from this past October's Fallen Fire Fighter memorial service.Koons added, "I implore everyone to be safe, and keep the thought of "Everyone Goes Home" every time you are called upon to provide service or do your job."