Firefighters honored at Dunbar Fest
DUNBAR – The time, effort and leadership actively demonstrated for more than 15 years by 20 lifetime members of the borough’s volunteer fire company was reflected in the theme for this year’s fourth annual Dunbar Community Fest. Ron Gross, assistant fire chief, spoke to a rather small audience Saturday under the “Big Top” tent where the firefighters were recognized for their traits with award certificates and plaques of honor.
“Fire service is constantly changing as well as the dangers involved,” said Gross.
While the fire company was chartered in 1923, Gross said it didn’t organize until 1960.
Gross added that the fire company was initially housed at the Miller Truss Co. in 1928, where it stored its first truck before moving to the Rose building along Railroad Street in 1937.
Gross said over the years, the need for more equipment forced it to relocate a third time to Connellsville Street while a new facility was constructed in 1980 at Fireman Lane with the fire company calling it their official home in 1981.
Gross said the fire company currently has 35 active members and is equipped with two pumpers, a tanker, a mini pumper and a rescue truck while meeting all the state mandates of training and rescue.
“This is a testimony of the quality of our organization,” said Gross.
Gross attributed part of that quality to former fire chief Mark Trenker, who he said helped other firefighters to succeed in their training ability while proving his dedication to the community.
Trenker joined the fire company in 1974 and served as chief from 1978 until 2004. “It was my first home for 28 years,” said the Dunbar native.
According to Trenker, it was time to take a break from the position, which is now held by Tom Bierer.
As a volunteer firefighter for the last 44 years, Peter Anderson has watched the fire company undergo some major crises, according to Gross. “He’s been on just about every call we’ve had,” Gross added.
Lester Jaynes, who was unable to attend because of health reasons, was recognized for his devotion to the company and vast knowledge of its funds since his membership in the 1940s.
Gross said Jaynes remained an active member until last year.
Firefighters honored for 15 years of active status included Trenker, John Maddas Sr., Charles Harvey, Andy Cooper, Wayne Watson, Redding Bunting and Bierer, along with 13 others that did not attend the ceremony.
The “Big Top” tent also took center stage for 26 contestants of the Little Miss Dunbar and Colonel Dunbar Pageant.
“These are the best looking kids in Dunbar,” said Denise Maley, pageant organizer.
Alexa Darrell, 61/2 and Samuel Bloom II, 5, claimed their respective titles with Kelsey Bigley and Levi Lambie as second runners up and Hannah Vincent and Sean Leapline as first runners up.
Bloom’s mother, Emily Bloom said her son entered the pageant simply because he wanted to ride on a float. “We had no idea he would win,” added Bloom.
Maley said a former woman that competed in various dance competitions helped select this year’s four out-of-town judges that based their choices on personality, appearance and smile.
By mid-afternoon, Cindy Moag, community fest organizer, said the crowd seemed larger than in previous year as well as the number of contest participants.
Moag said the Pechin 5K race held earlier in the morning had 195 entries, including a Jeremiah Pechin from North Carolina that took part after seeing it posted on the Internet.
“He wanted to enter since he had the same name,” Moag said.
For others, said Moag, the community fest is simply a homecoming to return to their hometown to enjoy a day of food and fun.
Mary Smitley and Florence Cope said they attended the festival simply to browse around.