The Panther Valley Irish American Association announced the selection of Summit Hill Fire Chief Shawn Hoben to be the recipient of its annual Shamrock Award during the 61st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Program to be held next month.

Hoben will be presented the award by association president Cory McCarroll.

A longtime member of Diligence Fire Company No. 1, the honoree came through the ranks of firefighter, assistant engineer and assistant chief before succeeding Michael Beshock as head of the company in 1997.

Hoben is a member of the Four-County Fireman’s Association and the Standard Operating Guidelines Committee of the Carbon County Fire Chiefs Association.