John R. Poko of Summit Hill might be retired, but it sounds like he is volunteering full time.

On Saturday, Poko was named the “Firefighter of the Year” by the Summit Hill Fire Department. He was given the award not only for his reliability in responding to fire calls, but for the many hours he spends helping with such things as being the financial secretary and single-handedly operating the annual fund drive.

While Summit Hill Fire Chief Shawn Hoben heaped praise on him for his commitment to the fire department, others mentioned how he volunteers with other organizations, especially the Lansford American Legion Post 123.

“Really, he’s one of our all-stars as far as veterans go,” said Nate Krajcirik, commander of the Legion post.

Poko’s award was one of four presented at the fire company on Saturday.

Other awards and recipients are:

• Volunteer of the Year: Jessica Matzen, a member of the Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

• Friend of the Fireman Award: Krajcirik Automotive of Lansford, for helping the department throughout the year, including supplying vehicles for training purposes.

• Special Award: Dr. Joe Nichols, who contributed more than $1,000 toward a defibrillation unit for the fire department.

The Firefighter of the Year Award is called the Paul “Paulky” Yuricheck Award, in honor of the late Paul Yuricheck who was a 50-year member of the fire department when he died in May 2016.

Attending the event was Poko’s son, John C. Poko, also an active member of the fire department and who received the Firefighter of the Year Award in 2013.

While presenting the award to the senior Poko, Hoben said, “This award is something you earned.”

Besides being financial secretary, Poko also is a firetruck engineer.

Hoben said of the honoree, “He gives of himself to the community and the fire company. He exemplifies everything about this award.”

Assistant Fire Chief Len Ogozalek also praised Poko for his dedication.

Matzen was honored for her work with the fire company auxiliary. He credited her with “always looking out for the fire department.”

Krajcirik Automotive has been providing assistance to the fire department for years, Hoben said.