MAHANOY CITY - Members of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society watched a documentary Saturday featuring their organization.
The 50 members attending the organization's annual banquet were shown the recently released "Schuylkill Historical Fire Society."
Filmed by Sam-Son Productions of Hazleton, the documentary highlights the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, its collection of fire apparatus and other equipment, the society museum in Shenandoah, as well as its ongoing dedication to preserving the history of the fire service in Schuylkill County.
The film features footage of the museum and equipment with narration by Michael Kitsock, society president; Michael Glore, Pottsville, an author and fire department historian; and fire society officer Joseph "Blackie" Kufrovich.
Neal Rodino of Sam-Son Productions attended Saturday's meeting and was made an honorary member of the society.
Rodino said Sam-Son is now working with The History Channel, hoping to air the documentary nationwide and even expand it into an ongoing series.
"Firemen affect everybody," Rodino said. "People like history, so this show should be a success."
Glore commented on the quality of the documentary and how it enables thousands of people to see the tremendous efforts of the society.
"They really did a remarkable job," he said of Sam-Son Productions.
Glore said that although being a firefighter is about continuing education and constant learning and training, the past is equally important.
"We need to teach lessons that we learned from the past," he said. "By sharing lessons of the past, we can show future firefighters things that may save his or her lives."
The society is the perfect tool for such a task, Glore said.
"It honors the legacy of those who gave so much in the past," he said.
Also at Saturday's annual event, life memberships and the "Member of the Year" award for 2012 were announced.
Joseph Zaleski was presented the Member of the Year award by Kitsock.
Kitsock said Zaleski is a fitting recipient of the award because of his dedication and untiring support of the organization.
He said Zaleski is responsible for seeing that many of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society's fundraising dinners are a success.
"He has given us his heart and his motivation for several years," Kitsock said. Another highlight was the presentation of "Gold Cards" for lifetime members.
Those receiving the honorary membership were John Rowe, Ronald Miller, John Wiekrykas and Bruce Whipple.