Firefighters honor comrades who died over last 12 months
BROWNSVILLE – The 70th Annual Fayette County Firemen’s Convention began on a somber Sunday as firefighters paid tribute to their comrades who died within the last year.
The sound of a chiming bell, struck 42 times in remembrance of each of the men as their names were read aloud, echoed through the South Brownsville Christian Church during the memorial service. “This year we have 42 members to add to our deceased roster,” said Fayette County Firemen’s Association treasurer Leonard Lynch. “As far as we know this is the most we’ve had in one year since the beginning of our organization. It tells us that we’re getting old.”
As the names of the men were read, white carnations were placed in a cross at the front of the church as individual candles were lit during the 86th annual memorial service.
Roye P. Leckemby, chaplain of the association, said the 42 men who died had the desire to help others through volunteerism and public service.
“Our brothers gave much of their time to help save the lives and property of others,” Leckemby said.
Leckemby also asked the congregation to remember the families of the men who died, noting that it’s not only the firefighters who give of themselves, but their families as well.
“Many times family activities were interrupted because of an emergency,” he said. “Pray for the families who lost loved ones. Their loss is great.”
The Rev. Paul Sandusky, pastor of South Brownsville Christian Church, said firemen come from different backgrounds but have one thing in common.
“You come together because of your united belief in service to other people,” Sandusky said.
Following the memorial service, the Past President’s Banquet was held at the Sons of Italy Hall in Brownsville. Mark Johnson, district fire chief in Atlanta, Ga., served as the main speaker as the banquet.
Activities scheduled throughout the week as part of the 70th Annual Fayette County Firemen’s Convention will take place on Water Street in Brownsville.
All events are free to attend and the public is invited and encouraged to learn about firefighting and support the fire departments by attending the weeklong convention.
Opening ceremonies will be held today at 5:45 p.m. and will be followed by the battle of the barrel competition at 6 p.m. and the opening of the street fair at 6:15 p.m.
A section of Water Street will be closed off each evening for the street fair and firefighter competitions. A disc jockey will provide music throughout the evening. The street fair will include food and game booths each night.
Tuesday’s scheduled events include the hose lay competition plus music by Brother Jeep and the Mon Valley Express, featuring blues, soul and rock and roll classics.
Wednesday features the tug of war and fire truck pull competitions, while Thursday will be highlighted by the bucket brigade competition and music by The Girlz. Firefighters will compete in a gear scramble on Friday, with music by the local polka band The DynaSonics. The food booths will feature ethnic foods including pierogies and haluski in honor of the band.
All sporting events throughout the week are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
The convention comes to an end Saturday, when the association elects its new officers and sponsors a parade at 5 p.m. and street fair at 6 p.m. The Classics will provide musical entertainment starting at 7 p.m. and the event will close with a fireworks display over the river.
For more information on any of the events contact the South Brownsville Volunteer Fire Department at 724-785-8448.