A Palmerton borough official will ride on a bike tour in memory of a recently deceased fire chief from a neighboring municipality.

Mayor Bo Rodrigues announced at Thursday’s borough council meeting that he will be participating this Sunday in the Ben to Shore Bike Tour.

Rodrigues said the 65-mile ride from Philadelphia to Atlantic City raises funds to support families of fallen or critically injured first responders, as well as other resources.

“This year, I am riding in support of our Palmerton police and fire departments, and in memory of Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bill George,” Rodrigues said.

Rodrigues noted that on the Fourth of July, our nation and our community celebrated 250 years of independence.

“We naturally tend to think of the Founding Fathers, but America’s story has never belonged only to those whose names appear in history books,” Rodrigues said. “It belongs just as much to the men and women who quietly answer the alarm at two in the morning, who leave birthday parties, holiday dinners, and family gatherings because someone else needs help.

“Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company Chief George was one of those Americans.”

Rodrigues added, “Municipal boundaries may divide our maps, but they have never divided our hearts. Firefighters know no borough lines when someone calls for help. Neither does grief.”

He noted that some will remember George as the owner and operator of George’s Plumbing and Heating, or as a board member for First Northern Bank of Palmerton.

“More importantly, others will remember his involvement with the Palmerton Holiday Lighting or for his many other quiet acts of kindness,” Rodrigues said. “We are here as one community mourning one of our own.

“May God grant Bill eternal rest, comfort his family, watch over his fellow firefighters, and continue to bless the communities he served so faithfully. Please keep Bill’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

George, who served as chief and president of the Aquashicola Fire Department, died July 4 at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus. He was 74.

His death was considered in the line of duty, because he had been answering calls the day before his death.