By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

After volunteering for years, Donald Christ was honored for his decades-long service to the New Tripoli Fire Company and the community at large on Nov. 9.

Later in the program, his son Peter Christ was also honored and the fire company was commended.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, presented the recognitions.

An emissary from the office of state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, also took part in the celebration.

“The first award of the evening is going to be for a gentleman who has spent a lifetime in this organization,” Day said. “And even though he’s retiring, we know he’ll still be here, sharing his experience and wisdom.”

Day recognized Donald Christ’s “58 years of service and dedication to the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, including his 35 years as assistant fire chief.”

“He has made himself available at all hours of the day and night to protect the lives of the people in the community, with loyalty, commitment, and exemplary service,” Day said.

“Thank you so much for your service to our community.

“He is a gentleman and wanted to make the community better. He made this facility what it is.”

“Chico’s (Donald Christ) been here since day one, and with everything going on, this is as much as we could do,” said Chief Engineer Bruce Dalrymple, pointing to tables crowded with sandwiches and sides.

“The year he was born was the year that this fire company was established,” said an emotional Susan Christ, Donald Christ’s wife.

“He first joined the fire company as a junior firefighter.”

“The second award of the night will be for Peter Christ,” Day continued. “For the past 11 years he has served this fire company with dedication second to none.

“He’s put his life on hold for 11 years.

Day acknowledged Peter Christ’s 36 years of service and his unwavering commitment and dedication.

He said Peter Christ was an active firefighter with the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli and cited his role in completing the new fire station, as well as ensuring a 75 percent achievement certification for firefighters and more.

All this, Day said, is a testament to his “tireless devotion.”

“The one thing we don’t fight about in Harrisburg is recognizing people like these two gentlemen,” Day said. “It’s important as a community that we stop and mark this time.”

Firefighting is tradition in the Christ family.

“My father was here all the time,” said an emotional Susan Christ.

“[Mark Mantz] did all the renovations, painting and lighting in the front room, which was originally a school classroom.”

Day praised the work of the volunteers at the fire company, pledging his support in the state House.

“What I tell them in Harrisburg is that we need to provide help and grants for volunteer fire companies,” he said. “I think we just don’t have the level of calls to have a paid fire company.”

Day explained that 80 percent of the costs at a paid fire company are designated for salaries and retirement compensation, which is certainly deserved.

“That is what you donate,” he said to the volunteers.

Day was scheduled to visit the fire company months before.

“We had it on our schedule to honor the fire company before everything closed down,” he said.

Then, he presented an official document “from the Senate and the House recognizing the fire company’s contribution to the well-being of the community on the momentous occasion of its 75th anniversary, in tribute to community safety.”

“Effective fire service to the community and an extremely well trained and professional team” were among the fire company’s accomplishments that were noted in the document.

“My wife’s uncle was part of this fire company,” Day said.

Then he addressed the Facebook audience.

“There are many ways to contribute to your community and many things to do at this fire station,” Day said reaching out to the community at large.

True to form, just as the celebration was winding down, there was a fire call, leaving the volunteers to quickly grab their gear and protective clothing to respond.

As the sirens blared, the celebration came to an abrupt end.