The Internal Revenue Service recently notified the Diligent Fire Company No. 3, Jim Thorpe, that it has been granted federal tax-exempt status as a publicly supported charity under Section 501C3 of the federal tax code.

Nicole Collevechio of Summit Hill, a senior at Neumann University and a 2013 graduate of Marian High School, assisted the fire company with completing the complexapplication as part of her summer intern project with Snyder & Clemente, Accountants and Consultants in Hazleton.Fire company treasurer Jay Miller said, "The goal of our dedicated group of volunteers is to protect life and property within the borough. As a volunteer organization, our operations depend upon contributions and the support of our fundraisers. Our federal tax-exempt certification ensures that donors receive a charitable contribution deduction for their contributions to our fire company."Collevechio interned under the direct supervision of Jim Thorpe native John M. Nonnemacher CPA, who said, "Marian High School graduates have a long, proud history of community service and Nicole's project will have a lasting impact for the fire company since the tax-exempt status determination is permanent."Attorney James R. Nanovic of the Nanovic Law Offices assisted the company with the related legal documents.The company provides protection to the Borough of Jim Thorpe and is also a member of the Suburban Mutual Aid Fire Association. It currently has more than 15 volunteers on its active membership roster.