FRACKVILLE - Antique fire apparatus, pump demonstrations and a tribute to fallen firefighters highlighted Sunday's annual Schuylkill County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society's annual Fire Muster.
The festivities began at 11 a.m. with a parade of antique fire apparatus from the Schuylkill Mall to the Schuylkill County Fire Training Academy along the Morea Road and continued with a day of fun and learning for young and old alike.
Antique pumpers, aerial devices, rescue trucks and ambulances owned by the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society as well as by private individuals were on display. Some traveled more than 100 miles to attend the event.
Ahrens Fox pumpers dating back to the 1920s were used to put on pumping displays and food and refreshments were available.
Shortly after 2 p.m., the Rev. Fred Crawford, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, and chaplain of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighter's Association, led a memorial service honoring 36 Schuylkill County firefighters who died in the line of duty dating back to May 5, 1832, when Stephen Stapleton of the Schuylkill Hydraulians, Pottsville, lost his life.
After an invocation, prayers and scripture readings led by Crawford, Schuylkill Historical Fire Society President Michael Kitsock read the names of each of the deceased firefighters and Al Bright, vice president of the society, rang the memorial bell.
Bright, a member of the Columbia Hose Company, Shenandoah, had a special closeness to the memorial service. On Jan. 16, 1972, his father, Alfred Bright, also a member of the Columbia Hose Company, died as a result of line-of-duty injuries. Al Bright has continued in the fire service since and is now an important part of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, which has its headquarters and museum at 105 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, formerly the home of Columbia Hose, which currently has a new fire station at West Centre Street and Stadium Road, Shenandoah.
Bright said he wants to ensure the history of the fire service in Schuylkill County is never forgotten.
Crawford said that when an alarm for help is sounded, members of the volunteer fire service spring into action to help, no matter what circumstances or what people are involved.
Such dedication and commitment is what will continue and must never be forgotten, he said.
The day-long event concluded with trophies presented to several people who attended with their antique vehicles, and with remarks by Kitsock, who thanked everyone for helping keep the history of the volunteer fire service alive in Schuylkill County.