PINE GROVE - U.S. Rep. Tim Holden was honored Wednesday for his dedication to the volunteer fire service in Schuylkill County.
Holden, who has served Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District since 1993, was named "Honorary Schuylkill County Fire Chief" during Delegates Night of the 58th annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighter's Association Convention.
Association President Michael Kitsock said naming Holden an honorary fire chief is fitting because his efforts have not only kept the volunteer fire service alive but also provided much-needed funding for equipment and training.
Holden, D-17, will be leaving his office as a U.S. representative after being defeated in April by Moosic attorney Matt Cartwright.
"One of our leaders will be leaving us soon," Kitsock said of Holden.
He said that from Orwin to Klingerstown and Tamaqua to Pottsville, every fire company in Schuylkill County has benefitted from assistance provided through Holden.
Since the onset of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the late 1990s, Kitsock said Schuylkill County companies have received $15 million in funding.
"No congressman in the United States has served the fire service better," Kitsock said.
Throughout his career in federal government, Kitsock said Holden has been up close and personal with every volunteer fire company and made himself available to assist whenever possible.
"I had a beer and a bean soup with the congressman in Turkey Run," Kitsock said, recalling a block party in that small section of Shenandoah.
Frank Zangari Jr., president of the Schuylkill County Fire Chief's Association, said that without Holden's assistance, some companies in the county may have been forced to close their doors.
"This man is responsible for keeping our fire service alive," Zangari said.
In accepting the award, Holden said he has felt a deep-rooted partnership with the volunteer service throughout his career.
He said that being one of the original sponsors of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was a highlight of his more than two decades in public office.
"I have never been so proud as I was to be a founding sponsor of that piece of legislation," Holden said.
Despite that, Holden said the money is only what it is - money. The hard work and success goes to the firefighters.
"You did all the work," he said to a packed crowd at the Hose, Hook and Ladder Fire Company social hall.
Speaking of Wednesday's banquet, Holden said, "Tonight is on the top of my list of memories."
The speaker for the evening was federal judge John E. Jones III, appointed by President George W. Bush to the U.S. federal court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in February 2002 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate later that year.
Jones, who early in his career served as solicitor for the Borough of Pine Grove, commended Holden for his work as a U.S. representative.
"You did far better than I would have ever been," said Jones, referring to his defeat to Holden in a 1992 election for the 17th Congressional District.
Holden, 55, graduated from Saint Clair Area High School in 1980, and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
He became a licensed real estate agent, and later an insurance broker in 1983 and as has worked as a probation officer and as sergeant-at-arms for the state House of Representatives. He also served as Schuylkill County's sheriff.
Jones said during Wednesday's dinner that all the men and women who attended were the proud symbols of volunteerism and heroism.
"The backbone as you know across this country has always been volunteerism," he said, adding that volunteer firefighters turn volunteerism into heroism every time they respond to a call.
Referring to the massive flooding that hit the Pine Grove area in September 2011 caused by Hurricane Irene, Jones said volunteers from Pine Grove and surrounding communities banded together for the residents they serve.
"You dedicated yourselves to saving lives and property," he said. "You represent the very best that we have in America. Thank you all for what you do."
State Rep. Mike Tobash presented citations from the House of Representatives to Pine Grove Fire Chief David Sattizahn and all the fire companies that assisted with the 2011 disaster.
Of Sattizahn, Tobash said that he truly demonstrates the "quality of the human experience."
In closing, Sattizahn said the flooding of 2011, like any other emergency situation, required work and dedication from everyone.
"There is no 'I' in team," he said.
Wednesday's event was part of the weeklong activities that will end Saturday with the annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighter's Convention parade in downtown Pine Grove.