What began as a teenage nudge from their parents has turned into a half-century of service for brothers Ron and Jeff Hausman, who this year marked 50 years with the Slatington Fire Department — a career defined by hard lessons, changing technology and memories that never fade.

Ron and Jeff joined the department in 1976, when Jeff was just 14 and Ron 16.

“Jeff wanted to join the fire department,” Ron said. “Our mom and dad said I had to go join also.” At the time, Slatington Borough operated three separate fire stations: the Vigilant on Church Street, Springside on Main Street, and Hose Company No. 1 at Fourth and Church streets. Ron and Jeff joined the Vigilant, the station closest to where they lived.

“It was good to combine,” Ron said of the borough’s 1985 decision to merge the three companies into one department and build a new station at 524 W. Church St.

“When we got fire calls there were only a few men from the neighborhood that would respond to that station. With the three stations it was hard to have a manned truck.”

Firefighting in the 1970s looked very different than it does today.

“There were rules, but not a lot of child labor laws at that time,” Ron said. “We had Scott air packs that were very heavy, used to go into buildings, orange rubber gloves, no bunker pants, and hip-high rubber boots. We could be on the fire trucks on the running boards going to the calls, unlike today with all the safety rules put into place.”

One of the most grueling periods came in 1979, when an arsonist set a series of fires across the borough.

“In 1979 we had an arsonist in our town,” Ron said. “The suspect was charged with seven fires. All of those fires were in subzero temperatures. It was a nightmare. Everything just froze. It was hard to get around to walk with all the equipment.”

The brothers credit strong mentors for shaping them into firefighters. Bob Young of Emmaus taught air-pack classes, Jack Kelly of Western Salisbury served as fire instructor, and Cleat Mase, then Friedens Fire Company chief, led junior firefighter training.

“They really pushed us to learn everything we needed to be good firemen,” Ron said.

Former Chief Gary Philips also left a lasting impression.

“He was a very fair man. Everyone got treated the same,” Ron said. “Philips really pushed for everyone to have exercise.” Firefighters played softball, football, bowling and basketball, often competing against neighboring stations to stay in shape. Over the years, the department’s capabilities grew.

“Friedens Fire Company was our primary aide,” Jeff said. “Before we had rescue tools like the Jaws of Life, Schnecksville was called. It wasn’t till 1996 that we were able to have our own tools and jaws and lots of training that were in service.”

Guidance from fellow firefighters extended beyond tactics. Ron recalled advice from their older brother, Rodger Haydt, also a fireman.

“He always said, ‘You are in the fire service for the public. Always stay neutral and work together.’”

Technology, training and state mandates have continued to evolve, and Ron recently stepped down as a line officer after serving in that role since 1981.

“I will miss being a line officer,” he said. “It’s time to step down for the younger generation.”

Ron also served as Slatington’s EMA director from 1996 to 2025 and worked for many years as an EMT. “I enjoy so much teaching the young everything I know about firefighting, it is so rewarding,” he said. “I’ve helped the community in every capacity.”

Jeff said the rewards have always outweighed the risks.

“It has been very rewarding when all the people are so thankful for what you do for them,” he said. “I’m so grateful that I get to help our neighbors in our community. I love it and I will do it forever.”

Certain calls remain etched in their memories, including a 1991 rescue on Kuehner Street in which a 6-year-old girl saved her mother and sister from coal gas; a sweltering third-alarm fire on Fifth Street that injured 10 firefighters; a five-alarm blaze on Chestnut Street that destroyed five homes; and a deadly 1992 apartment fire on Main Street that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy.

They recalled a three-alarm apartment fire on Chestnut Street in February, 1994. An explosion occurred, blowing off the roof.

On Aug. 16, 1995 a mother and her three children were rescued with the Walnutport Ladder Truck.

“Both Ron and Jeff agree that these fires from the past stick out in their minds,” Ron said. “The memory stays with you.”

The brothers were recently honored with plaques recognizing their 50 years of service to Vigilant Fire Company No. 2, citing five decades of loyal membership, distinguished service, unwavering commitment and bravery.

After a half-century of answering alarms, the Hausman brothers say their dedication has never wavered — only deepened — as they continue to protect the community they have served since their teenage years.