A pair of emergency responders were honored by Shoemaker-Haydt American Legion Post 314, Lehighton, during a banquet Monday night.

Donald Rehrig, of the Lehighton Fire Department, was recognized as firefighter of the year, while Detective Matt Arner, of the Lehighton Police Department, nabbed police officer of the year honors.

Rehrig has had two stints as a firefighter, from 1975-1987, and again for the past three years.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Rehrig said. “I’m proud to be representing the department here today, the department as a whole.

“I’m just a small part of the department, but I do appreciate the award that was given to me by the Legion Post 314 today. I appreciate that.”

Arner has been with the borough police department for over 13 years.

“I’m very honored to receive this award tonight,” Arner said. “We’ve worked with the department to do community outreach programs such as the very successful Trick or Treat night, the Facebook page and some other projects that we’ve been working on, again to build our partnership with the community,

“As a member of the department, I’m very proud to represent them.”

The banquet is held each year in association with the birthday of the American Legion, this year marking the 100th, according to Harry J. Wynn III, past commander, and vice chairman of the Eastern Section.

“We’re here tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion with our annual birthday dinner,” Wynn said. “It’s a kickoff started this weekend, and it’s going to run through Veterans Day.”

Essay winners were also honored: fifth-graders Ava Houser, first place; Claire Foeller, second place; Kiley Haldeman, third place; and Austin Flynn, fourth place.

Each of the students wrote about “How do we respect our local police officers.”

Wynn congratulated the emergency responders, along with the students, on their achievements.

“You certainly deserve it,” he said.

Commander Dave Breyfogle announced that the Carbon County Veterans Day Parade will be held in Lehighton.

The parade is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 10.