The Pennsylvania Jaycees have tabbed a local resident as the first recipient of the Commonwealth's "Outstanding Young Fire Fighter" award. He is 24-year-old Rory Koons, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Koons of Palmerton R.2.

A member of the Aquashicola Fire Company, Koons was cited for helping to upgrade the fire company. An assistant fire chief since 1972, he has improved relationships among the fire companies in Carbon County.An employee of the New Jersey Zinc Company in Palmerton, he was entered into the state competition after being named "Firefighter of the Year" by the Palmerton Jaycees. In 1976, Koons became the first Carbon County resident to earn a degree in Northampton County Community College's fire technology course.