MOUNT CARMEL - The celebration continues today when the Six-County Firemen's Association wraps up its 109th annual convention with a large parade that also kicks off the borough's 150th anniversary activities.
Friday, however, was a more somber and ceremonial day for the association, whose members said their formal good byes to fallen colleagues at a memorial service. They also passed on the convention flag to next year's host.
Meanwhile, it was announced Friday by Mayor J. Kevin Jones that parade grand marshal Ellen Albertini Dow, well-known television and movie actress and a Mount Carmel native, will be at town park this afternoon to greet local fans following the 2 p.m. parade.
To the rescue
Firefighters gathered late Friday morning at Zion Primitive Methodist Church, 35 N. Market St., for a "Service of Remembrance." Pastor David Wildoner welcomed everyone to the service and then - fittingly, in a room full of people who are used to helping others - someone had to come to the rescue. Wildoner asked if anyone in the congregation knew how to play piano, since the church's pianist was absent. John Simkovich of Pioneer Fire Company, Hazleton, volunteered and provided music for the entire service.
During the opening prayer, Wildoner thanked all who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to heroically save property and lives. He urged everyone to pray for firefighters and rescue workers in their community and give thanks to God for "these brave men and women who rush in so that others may retreat." He also offered a prayer for those fighting the wild fires in Colorado.
The "Fireman's Prayer" was read by Robert Mandak Sr. from Diamond Fire Company of Hazleton, and the Roll Call of Departed Firemen was read by John R. Nilles. After each name was read, a bell was sounded by Dave Beresovske of Mount Carmel's Anthracite Steam Fire Company, local host of the convention. The six-county area lost 31 of its own in the past year. Earlier in the service, Mrs. Richard Miller read the roll call for two departed ladies.
Flag presented
At Friday afternoon's convention session at American Legion Post 91, officers were installed for 2012-13. They are Deanna Force, president, and vice presidents David Berezovske, R.J. Savage, Jerry Guscott, William Tarby and Gary Perna Jr. Bob Mandak Sr. was installed as chaplain.
Also, Berezovske presented the six-county flag to Jim Reed of Schuylkill Hose Company No. 2, Schuylkill Haven, where next year's convention will be held.
