Memorial service, procession recognizes fallen first responders
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A Ringtown Valley fire truck leads a procession under a flag arch in downtown Pottsville on August 30, 2020.
POTTSVILLE – A special and unique memorial service was held today to honor fallen firefighters from Schuylkill County.
Normally, a memorial service is held as part of the annual Schuylkill County Firemens’ Convention, though, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the convention was cancelled this year.
Instead, a memorial service was held in the City of Pottsville today, broadcast via a Schuylkill County Communications Center operations channel, as apparatus from across the county processed from Martz Hall to Nativity BVM High.
There, representatives of several parishes and religious organizations, socially distanced of course, blessed the passing apparatus.
“Despite what’s going on in the world, it’s always good to remember the folks that came before us, certainly to honor them, and with the world we live in, where there’s such a disconnect from emergency services to the general public, it’s always good to show the public why we’re here, that we are here, and that we will always be here for them, no matter what is going on,” said Girardville firefighter Michael Zangari.
Shenandoah was represented in the procession by the Phoenix and Defender Fire Companies as well as an ambulance from Shenandoah Community Ambulance. The remaining three fire companies stayed back to cover the borough, Rick Examitas, fire marshal, said.
The procession was led by the Ringtown Valley Fire Company, which was set to host the annual firemen’s convention.
Prior to the procession, convention mugs, which were ordered in bulk prior to the convention, were sold in an effort to recoup the preparation costs incurred prior to the cancellation. According to Joe Gilbert, fire chief, they had sold about two thirds of the mugs they originally ordered.
“We’re hoping, in the springtime, we’ll be able to have a mug night,” said Mariana Gorski-Gilbert, captain.
She described the turnout of nearly 60 emergency vehicles as “awesome.”
The three Schuylkill County Commissioners were in attendance at the memorial service.
“It’s the one time out of the year that we get to honor those people that have served and [passed] on,” said Commissioner Gary Hess. “We owe a debt of gratitude to them and also to current firefighters. That’s why we’re here in support of them.”
“Especially with Ringtown not having their convention, this is a nice, but bittersweet also, opportunity to have the annual event,” added Commissioners Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington. “I’ve always said, if we didn’t have volunteer firefighters, who would do it?”
The apparatus in attendance hailed from every stretch of Schuylkill County and every form of emergency service. Police cars, fire apparatus, and ambulances came from as far as Pine Grove, Friedensburg, Summit Station, and more.
The procession made its way through the City of Pottsville from the staging area at Martz Hall, passing under a flag arch set up by Pottsville’s two ladder trucks, before arriving at Nativity BVM.
Full Photo Gallery
About Author
