Pennsylvania's House of Representatives paid tribute to longtime community volunteer and public servant, Samir "Sam" Ashmar of Breinigsville, who died last November, at age 51, state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, announced.

Day said House Resolution 41 honors Ashmar's life and his contributions to the Upper Macungie Township community, including service as vice chairman of the board of supervisors, a member of the township planning commission and authority, 30-plus years as a volunteer firefighter for three different companies, Upper Macungie Township Station 56, Good Will Fire Company, No. 1, Trexlertown, and Lower Macungie Township Station 30, fire marshal, emergency medical technician and mentor.

In addition to his countless hours of volunteer service – doing everything from investigating fires to serving as mentor and friend to the fire service – he was the vice president in the Credit Management Group for Wells Fargo and spent additional after-hours time with many community organizations.

He also served on the board of directors for the Burn Prevention Foundation, Allentown, from 2000 to 2009 and was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Wescosville.

"Although his loss was a tremendous shock to us all, we were so fortunate to have Sam as a member of our community, having been blessed by all of his contributions," Day said. "He was such a hard-working, selfless and supportive role model, who was also compassionate, warm and welcoming to everyone and displayed boundless energy, intelligence, strong work ethic and devotion to his family."

Joining the House on Monday for the tribute was his daughter, Makala.

Ashmar is also survived by his wife of 27 years, Sharon; his son, Joshua; mother, Rommy; brother, Andrew, and his wife, June Ashmar; sister, Haya "Jacqui" Howells, and her husband, Richard; sister, Marina Giovannini, and her husband, Eugene; sister, Nawel, and her husband, Rob Varno; and sister, Sabina Kineen, and her husband, Marty.

"As we stand honor Sam's memory, I am personally thankful that there are still young men and women who share in the sense of community by becoming first responders," Day said. "They put their lives on the line to protect us, and for that, we are all grateful."