Celebrating 100 years of dedicated service, members of the Alburtis Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and Alburtis Police Department organized a parade followed by a ceremony with several speakers, presentations and more to celebrate this milestone with the community Sept. 12.

More than 75 fire and police vehicles from neighboring communities, including fire trucks, hook and ladders, rescue trucks, tanker trucks, police cars, ambulances and floats shared in the celebration.

Forming on Quarry Road, parade participants lined up from East Penn Avenue to East Main Street by Essa Bank.

Starting on East Main Street in front of Essa Bank at the railroad tracks, the Allentown Police Department Honor Guard presented three flags flanked by two officers on each side and by K-9 Officer Remi.

Honor Guard Commander Sgt. John Hill followed.

Three police officers drove by the honor guard on motorcycles; two officers from Allentown joined the formation followed by one officer from Upper Macungie Township. As soon as the motorcycle officers drove by, Hill commanded the honor guard to follow the motorcycles and the parade began.

Additional police vehicles, including Alburtis bicycle police patrol officers and two junior firefighters with the Alburtis Fire Department followed.

A blue banner with “Alburtis Vol. Fire Department Est. 1915” incorporating the fire department’s emblem was carried by members of the fire department.

The junior firefighters were followed by five Alburtis firefighters walking together, three holding flags, flanked by a firefighter holding a hatchet on the left side and one carrying a long hook on the right side. The remaining firefighters followed.

Participating communities included Trexlertown, Topton, Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie, Limerick, Whitehall, Cetronia, Greenawalds, Upper Milford/Vera Cruz, Lower Milford, Hereford, Upper Saucon, Catasauqua, New Tripoli, Weisenberg, Walnutport, Diamond, Ashton and Laury’s Station.

As the parade continued to the firehouse on Main Street, the trucks and cars had their lights flashing. Sirens and deep booming horns could be heard all over town.

The firehouse was transformed into a large, comfortable ceremonial room filled with chairs, a decorated platform and trophies lined up in front of the stage to be distributed. Flowers were arranged on each side of the stage.

Programs and memorial books and other souvenirs and memorabilia were displayed on a table in the back of the room for guests to review.

Waiting at the firehouse was Master of Ceremonies Jim Haines, past chief of Good Will Fire Company No. 1 of Trexlertown.

Haines read a history of the Alburtis Fire Company and introduced Steve Oplinger, also from Good Will Fire Company No. 1, who sang the national anthem.

Haines introduced Rev. Jeremiah Sassaman, chaplain and president of the Topton American Legion Community Ambulance Service, who asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of deceased Alburtis firefighters, the fallen and firefighters who had passed as a result of 9/11. He then offered a meaningful and brief prayer.

Following the prayer were many speakers including AFC President David George.

Alburtis Chief Donald Smith, Jr. thanked everyone who supports the fire company and the leaders for what they do and for their leadership.

“You cannot do anything by yourself. Everyone needs to help,” Smith said.

Also present was Smith’s father, past Chief Donald Smith, Sr., still serving as a firefighter in his home community.

Alburtis Borough Council President Steven Hill thanked all the fire companies and those present for the celebration.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer also addressed those gathered, speaking about the police department and the citizens of Alburtis.

“They are safe, secure and they deliver,” Palmer said, referring to a call received March 12 when Officer Cory Fluck was called out at 1 a.m. to help deliver a baby. Palmer thanked the police department and firefighters for all they do when the residents are awake and sleeping. Palmer recited a poem titled “Safe” and wished everyone well.

Police Chief Robert Palmer, who is no relation to the mayor, spoke briefly about the police department and firefighters.

Other representatives speaking were past Pennsylania State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann, Bill Royer, representing State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th; Ellen Kern, representing Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th; and U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-15th.

Other events of the day included bingo and music performances by The Point, The Rotten Apples and the reunion show of White Oleander.