It was a sobering moment when Lehigh County Commissioner Bob Elbich, who has served as an active firefighter with New Tripoli Volunteer Fire Company, reminded everyone of the importance of thanking our firefighters, police forces and EMS when they are alive.

Dressed in his official firefighter uniform, Elbich led everyone at the Dec. 14 Lehigh County Commissioners meeting in a moment of silence, honoring fallen firefighters Marvin Gruber and First Asst. Chief Zach Paris.

“To my mind, the English language still has not come up with the words to truly comfort those who have lost a dear one prematurely and a hero, heroes, so I’m not going to try and do that. I can’t succeed at that,” a visibly shaken Elbich said.

Elbich went on to explain “when I started volunteering in the area, my station was Station 17. Unfortunately, this was in the early 90s, and I did not get a chance to get to know these heroes. But I know them, I know who they are.”

“When a volunteer firefighter shows up for a call and straps on that air pack and runs toward a hazardous event on a highway or a fully involved structure, that’s a hero” Elbich said.

Speaking on the events following the deaths of Gruber and Paris, Elbich spoke about the incredible outpouring of support throughout the Lehigh Valley. He spoke about his participation in the 26-mile procession and what it meant to see members of the different communities take part, including families as far as Schuylkill County.

“I did not have dry eyes the entire 26 miles. It was a difficult trip but I want to thank all those who showed up as we drove through New Tripoli,” Elbich said

Elbich added, “it was an awesome experience of the community recognizing the premature loss of these people.”