A HERO’S SENDOFF: Parade honors Ringtown fire chief ahead of National Guard deployment
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Mariana and Joe Gilbert pose for a photo after a parade ahead of Joe's National Guard deployment on April 8, 2026.
RINGTOWN – The fire chief here is heading out on assignment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, but not before a hero’s salute from his fellow firefighters from across the anthracite region.
Ringtown Valley Fire Chief Joe Gilbert, a staff sergeant in the Pennsylvania National Guard, is being called up to active duty.
Wednesday evening, a day before he leaves, dozens of emergency vehicles passed by his home in the heart of town. Nearby, the Ringtown Area Library expressed well-wishes on its marquee.
Trucks came from companies close by, like Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Aristes, and Nuremberg, or farther away, like Mount Carmel, Shamokin, and Cressona.
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – A sign recognizes Joe Gilbert at the Ringtown Library. 
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – A sign recognizes Joe Gilbert ahead of his deployment. 
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Firefighters gather with Joe Gilbert ahead of his deployment. 
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Katey Rhody, a Cressona firefighter, embraces Joe Gilbert. 
SHERRY STREETER / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Fire trucks stage at the Union Township Municipal Building. 
SHERRY STREETER / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Tamaqua ambulances make their way into town.
The impromptu parade was led by police cars from Ringtown, Union Township, Mahanoy Township, and West Mahanoy Township.
Some trucks stopped for a driver or passenger to hug Gilbert.
Afterwards, all participants gathered for a group photo and, of course, more hugs.
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