Salisbury resident David Xander was recognized July 16 as a Lehigh County unsung hero for his years of dedicated volunteer service to the community.

“The unsung hero award is bestowed by the Lehigh County Office of Aging & Adult Services to recognize the volunteer services provided to the community by older Americans,” J.R. Reed, executive director of the county department, said.

The citation given to Xander recognizes his services as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company from 1974 to 1985 and again from 2013 to the present. From 1985 to 2013, Xander was a professional fire officer for the City of Allentown Fire Department.

Xander is a deputy chief with the Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company and a trainer for younger volunteers in the department.

He also served as a paramedic trainer for Cetronia Ambulance Corps for 35 years.

As part of older Americans month, Xander was also recognized with citations from the senate and house of representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.