Firefighters pay tribute to those who died in last year
Firefighters gathered Sunday to pay tribute to firefighters who have died in the last year to commemorate the state of the 72nd Annual Fayette County Firemen’s Convention. Firefighters struck a bell 30 times in remembrance of each of the fallen firefighters as their names were read aloud inside the St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church in Footedale.
Other volunteers placed white carnations on a cross to honor the departed during the 88th annual memorial service, as volunteer firefighters in full dress uniforms kept their heads bowed in remembrance.
“Many times family activities were put off so that others could be administered to,” Roye P. Leckemby, chaplain of the association, said. “Their sacrifices have indeed made this a better world and we are grateful.”
Father Peter L. Peretti said that it takes a special conviction to be a firefighter and that they often display the standard to which all beings should aspire.
“Firefighters are called to be good Samaritans,” Peretti said. “They show no discrimination toward the people they serve. They go because there is a need and they are truly a neighbor to one another.”
The New Hose Pipe Band closed the memorial service with the playing of bagpipes.
The service marked the start of the firemen’s convention hosted by the German Township fire departments this year.
Following the memorial service, the Past President’s Banquet was held at the Footedale Volunteer Fire Department.
Edward A. Mann, the state’s fire commissioner, was unable to attend this year’s banquest because of the death of a firefighter in the line of duty in eastern Pennsylvania.
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz served as a guest speaker in Mann’s stead.
The convention will continue through Saturday at the McClellandtown Volunteer Fire Department fairgrounds.
Events include the battle of the barrel at 6 p.m. Monday, hose laying competitions at 6 p.m. Tuesday, tug of war competitions Wednesday evening, the bucket brigade Thursday night and the gear scramble Friday at 6 p.m.
Each evening’s schedule will also feature live entertainment, food and games.
On Saturday, firefighters will hold their annual meeting and elect new officers for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
The convention will conclude Saturday evening with a parade and live entertainment.