Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company celebrated its 40th anniversary Sunday by honoring a founding member.

Charles Getz, the only charter member still living, received several gifts and praise for his contributions to the region. He was also the target of good-natured anecdotes.

The anniversary event was held on Getz’s 80th birthday.

Bruce Berger, assistant fire chief, presented a history of the fire department, noting it was officially formed on March 6, 1977.

He said the first discussions to form a fire company in Albrightsville occurred in 1975. Money to incorporate the fire company “was raised by holding Saturday night bingo games, which still continue at this time, and a 100-club drawing.”

The other charter members were Tom Davis, William Nonnemaker, Al Keller, William Bankhead, Gary Ziminsky, Ernie and Mollie Gower, Adam Kelhart, Kenneth McGeehan and William Adams.

Berger read a list of the various apparatus owned over the years by the fire company and said the Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company now has a roster of 30 men and women.

Others who spoke were Thomas Bradley, chairman of the Kidder Township board of supervisors; Wayne Nothstein, Carbon County Commissioner; Carbon County President Judge Roger Nanovic; state Rep. Doyle Heffley; and state Sen. John Yudichak.

Ralph Lennon, Lake Harmony Fire Company fire chief, served as the master of ceremonies.

Resolutions were presented to both the fire company and Getz by Nothstein, Heffley and Yudichak. Bradley announced that certificates of appreciation will be given to Getz and the fire department at the next meeting of the supervisors.

Lennon said the Albrightsville company has “done a magnificent job in 40 years.”

Both Lennon and Nothstein, who is a volunteer firefighter for about 50 years, complained about the lack of volunteers fire departments face today.

Lennon said apparatus has become very expensive, with a new aerial truck costing as much as $1.5 million.

“That’s a lot of pancakes and hot dogs,” he said, referring to fundraisers.

Nothstein agreed, saying, “We are really beginning to face a crisis in volunteerism.”