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Firefighter recognized for 79 years devoted to company

By Patty Yauger 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The Fayette County Firemen’s Association gathered Sunday to honor those who have led the organization through its 68 years, but its most elder member took center stage as he was recognized for his lengthy service. The 100-year-old William Harold DeBolt smiled continuously as Gov. Ed Rendell; state Sen. Richard A. Kasunic, D-Dunbar; the county association; the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association; and New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. paid tribute to his 79 years with the local fire company.

The county association convened its 68th annual convention earlier in the day with a memorial service for 30 members who died within the past year.

New Haven is the host for the weeklong convention.

Rendell, the banquet keynote speaker, said that volunteer firefighters are an asset to the communities that they serve and because the number of those willing to dedicate their time to volunteer service is declining, support at every level is vital.

“We are very, very fortunate in Pennsylvania to have the men and women who are willing to serve as volunteer firefighters,” he said. “If every one of the 70,000 volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania stood up tomorrow and sent in their letter of resignation, it would cost the townships and municipalities of the commonwealth $6 billion to replace them.”

If a dollar amount could be assessed to DeBolt’s eight decades of volunteer service, said Rendell, it would be costly to the city.

“If Mr. DeBolt had been a professional firefighter, the citizens of Connellsville would have paid him over $4 million,” he said.

Rendell also presented DeBolt with a citation that paid homage to his community service.

“Each day since 1927, you have voluntarily risked your own life to protect and guard the lives of those in your community,” said Rendell. “Your task has been difficult and dangerous.

“It’s my sincere hope that all those gathered today to mark this momentous occasion will take a moment to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the service, bravery and honor you have demonstrated throughout the past eight decades.”

DeBolt followed in his father’s footsteps and joined New Haven at the age of 21. He has served as captain, chaplain and band member and has participated in numerous fund-raising activities and parades.

Kasunic, too, presented DeBolt with a state senatorial citation to mark the event.

Through a pictorial history, New Haven trustee and convention chairman, Ken Jaynes, told of DeBolt’s life that began as the city celebrated its centennial to the present as the city marked his 100th year.

“He is a very special man,” said Jaynes.

The past association presidents honored at the banquet included James Metts, Brian VanSickle, Roger McGary, Gilbert Breakiron, E. James Eley, Leory Erhard, Michael Liptak, Edward T. Rohrer, James M. Eley, Kelly Parshall, Elmer Saletrik, Ray Eicher, William Arnold and James Bungard Jr.

Also honored were Phillip Dennis, Charles W. McCormick, Barry Lynch, Victor DeRienzo, Richard Brosky, James L. Stephenson, William Lint, Edward Nicholson, Verne Horne, Mark Trenker, James V. Harvey, Redding Bunting, Eldin G. Fisher and Wilford Torrence.

Jaynes, meanwhile, said he was pleased with the success of the first day of events and credited Kasunic with assisting with bringing Rendell to Connellsville for the kick-off banquet.

“(Kasunic) is a wonderful friend to New Haven and we very much appreciate his help,” said Jaynes.

The schedule of convention events for this week include:

– Today – 6 p.m., opening ceremonies followed by the battle of the barrel competition; 6:30 p.m., demonstration by axeman Harry Burnsworth. 8 p.m., musical entertainment by Harold Betters.

– Tuesday – 6 p.m., hose laying and gear scrabble competition. 7 p.m., musical entertainment by the Del-Sols.

– Wednesday – 6 p.m., bucket brigade competition. 7 p.m., musical entertainment by Girlz in Black Hats.

– Thursday – 6 p.m., tug of war and truck pull competition. 6:30 p.m., Mon-Valley Cloggers. 8 p.m., musical entertainment by the Crazy Cowboys.

– Friday – 6 p.m., cruise night with displays of antique cars and motorcycles. 7 p.m., musical entertainment by the Brass Knuckles.

– Saturday – 9 a.m., firemen’s bike ride. 4 p.m., firemen’s parade. 7 p.m., musical entertainment by Punch. 10:30 p.m., fireworks display.

Fayette Amusements will provide carnival rides each night of the convention.

All events, entertainment and fireworks will take place on South 7th Street.

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