First responders from within the Lehighton and Palmerton area school districts were honored during a short ceremony at the Lehighton Masonic Lodge No. 621 in Lehighton, Thursday.

Almost two dozen first responders and other guests received refreshments in the Masonic Lodge's fellowship hall while waiting for the Masons' meeting to close.Towamensing Fire Company Chief Wayne Knirnschild said he received word about a month ago and decided to attend with several of his fellow firefighters."We were asked to be here for recognition of our volunteer services … that's about all (we) know," said Knirnschild.Then, Pursuivant Mike Mickey, dressed in full blue mason regalia, came downstairs to usher the first responders upstairs to the meeting room.After everyone was seated, Worshipful Master Patrick Totaro, a 30-year veteran of the Hoboken, N.J. police force, thanked them for attending."We have set aside this month to recognize those who give of their time and service to our communities, those members of police forces, fire companies and emergency services who place themselves at risk whenever they respond to a call," Totaro said."They may be our friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers or fathers. But whoever they are, when we need them most, they are there."First he, then two other masons, took turns reading in detail about the origins of each of the organizations being honored.Later, Junior Warden Lamont LeVan Jr., during his portion of the reading, concluded that, "We all understand the sacrifices the members of our armed forces make for our country, but let's not forget the sacrifices and services our first responders have made for our communities."The first responders were recipients of "a small token of appreciation" from the grand master and grand lodge of the Free Masons of Pennsylvania.District Deputy Grand Master Robert J. Neff shook each person's hand as he presented them with a small gold lapel pin that contained not only emblems representing the emergency services but also the square and compass symbol of freemasonry.The first responders' spokesman, Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein, who also serves with the Lehighton Fire Department, thanked the masons for the recognition ceremony and also for their own efforts in serving the community.Following the ceremony, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall for snacks and refreshments."It's very rare that you get a thank-you in emergency services," noted Dawn Benner, assistant captain of Mahoning Valley Ambulance."You always know deep down in your heart that it's well-appreciated and well-needed, but you never get the thank-yous … so we appreciate it."Similar ceremonies are slated to be held soon at Masonic lodges in Jim Thorpe and White Haven.Neff said the grand master in Philadelphia, whose two-year term recently began, had sent out word to all of the Pennsylvania districts to make a special effort to recognize first responders.Neff said he also announced that similar services should be held in honor of all veterans this coming Veterans Day and that all veterans are invited to attend those services.