West End Volunteer Fire Company gathered for their annual Installation and Awards Banquet Saturday evening at Trout Lake.

“Thank you for the commitment you make to this community,” said Chestnuthill Township Supervisor Chuck Gould. “It was an honor to work together on the planning and opening of the Chestnuthill Township Shared Emergency Services Facility.”

Located at 140 Firehouse Lane near Wawa, the facility houses the fire company, Lehigh Valley Health Network EMS, and the Monroe County Emergency Services Department. A grand opening was held in May.

Chief Bill Edinger praised all its members for all the “courage, professionalism and heart” they put into each fire call, fundraiser, training session and task.

“The challenges will continue and so will your dedication and determination,” he said.

Accomplishments and Goals

Edinger said they were dispatched to approximately 525 calls in 2025 and 106 so far this year.

They have more than 40 active members and four junior firefighters.

With help from Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s office, the fire company received a $1.17 million grant.

They have purchased a new engine with the funding, along with a new heavy rescue truck. It will take a few years for both to be built.

“My goals for 2026 include purchasing furniture for upstairs and encouraging the members to take more and more training classes,” Edinger said.

The new firehouse has two bunk rooms and a lounge area to relax. He wants to purchase twin-size beds, couches and card table.

“The more trainings and certifications we have, the better we are. It’s beneficial to see how to do things from different perspectives,” he said.

Awards

Edinger and Nick Caprioli, fire company president, presented awards for years of service and performance.

• Five-year service awards were presented to John Dixon, Jason Orefice and Timothy Overpeck.

• 10-year service award was given to Shawn Downey.

• 15-year service awards were given to Brendon Smith and Thomas Wojy.

• 20-year service awards were presented to Mike Manfre Sr., Mike Manfre Jr. and Pete Soroka.

• Eric Hoffman received the 35-year service award.

• Department members voted on the following awards: Connor Snyder, Junior Firefighter of the Year; John Ayers, Rookie of the Year; Jonathan Henritzy, Most Improved; Alan Ross, Firefighter of the Year; and Mike Manfre Jr., Leadership.

Officers

This year’s line officers are: Bill Edinger, chief; Mike Manfre Jr., deputy chief; Brian Snyder, assistant chief; Tim Burlew, captain; Brendon Smith, captain; Stephen Koster, lieutenant; Lindsey Edwards, lieutenant; Mike Manfre Jr., chief engineer; Fran Weiss, engineer; John Ayers, assistant engineer; Mike Manfre Sr., fire police captain; and Sal Sacco, fire police lieutenant.

The 2026 executive board members are: Nicholas Caprioli, president; J.T. Burrus, vice president; Krissy Harrison, treasurer; and John Dixon, secretary.

20-Year life members

The honor was given to Raymond Achey, John Burrus, Nicholas Caprioli, Brian Deresz, Gregory Dorn, Christopher W. Eckert, Christopher Fisher, William Gethan, Robert Geyer, Carl B. Gould II, Russell Gould, Lynn Heckman, Matthew Held, Eric E. Hoffman, Jeffry Knitter, Michael Manfre Sr., Michael Manfre Jr., John McKeever, Kenneth Mitchell, Lonnie Perry, Fred Rosado, David Scheller, James R. Serfass, Pete Soroka, Eugene Smith, Brian Snyder, Gerald Taylor, Timothy Burlew, David Titus, Francis B. Weiss, James Weiss, Jeff Weiss, Thomas Weiss, and Donald Zipp III.

Upcoming events

The annual West End Fireman’s Festival will be held at the fairgrounds in Gilbert on May 28 to 30. Members from West End Volunteer Fire Company will join with members from Kunkletown, Polk Township, and Blue Ridge fire companies to host a weekend that includes food, entertainment, activities for the kids, carnival games, rides raffles, and music.

The fire department will have its annual hot dog sale sometime in August, and the department will once again have its food stand at the West End Fair.