A lifetime member, his dedication to the Palmerton Fire Department was never called into question.

Nor was his devotion to the Palmerton Fireman’s Relief Association, for which he was a past president.

Because whichever hat Keith Simmons wore, the fire department could be rest assured it was in good hands.

Sadly, Simmons died Monday morning at the age of 71.

Fellow firefighter Dennis Behler knew Simmons through their allegiance to the fire company.

Behler, who has been a volunteer firefighter for over 50 years, retired from his fire chief responsibilities in 2018. He continues to serve as a driver and pump operator.

“I do know that each fire company had six representatives that served on the Palmerton Fireman’s Relief, and Keith was president for many years,” Behler said. “He took great pride in running that organization.”

Behler also knew Simmons from their time as borough employees.

“We both worked for Palmerton, he was sewer department, I was streets,” he said. “We saw each other almost every day; he was a great guy to work with.”

Behler recounted how the two worked well together.

“When it would snow, we would all work together, we would all plow the snow,” he said. “I enjoyed working with him.”

Palmerton fire Chief Jason Behler noted that Simmons had been a member of the then Palmerton Fire Co. No. 1 before it merged to become part of the present-day Palmerton Fire Department.

Behler said he knew Simmons both personally, as well as through the fire department.

“He always was a very happy person, always looking for the betterment of the department,” he said. “The firefighter relief association focuses on safety oriented equipment and training for the department.”