Log In

Reset Password
Welcome, User
LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

REMEMBERING 9/11 Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 honors the fallen

Published October 22. 2022 03:52PM

By LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown, had a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11.

This was the 21st anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Centers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the suicide hijacking and crash of United Airlines Flight 93 into a field in Somerset County.

In total, 2,996 people died, including 343 members of the New York City Fire Department.

Included in this year’s ceremony were volunteers firefighters from Fogelsville, Upper Macungie Station 56 and Good Will Fire Co. No. 1. Lower Macungie firefighters, Upper Macungie Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and American Legion Post 217, Topton.

Pipers were James Ruhf, Jim Baldree and Greg Ross.

Vocals were performed by Steve Oplinger, firefighter with Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 and Jess Mirth, of Macungie.

Chaplain John Ellermann Sr., Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 gave the invocation and his wife, Jackie Ellermann, Ladies Auxiliary of Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 gave the benediction.

Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Gorr read a poem offering solace to those who were lost on 9/11.

Laurys Station Fire Company Chief Christopher Greb, also operations manager for Macungie Ambulance Corps, described the significance of the Flags of Remembrance.

Wreaths were laid by Good Will Fire Chief Leroy Gross and Mike LaPearl, education director with Cetronia Ambulance Corps and Officer Ryan Mertus, Upper Macungie Township Police Department and Trooper 1st Class Nathan Branosky, Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem.

Safety Officer Dennis Bower, Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 rung the Fireman’s Ceremonial Bell four series of five rings each signaling that first responders have answered their last call.

Members of the Topton American Legion Post 217 Honor Guard fired a rifle volley.

LaPearl shared his experience as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard involved in seagoing rescue and law enforcement.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, expressed his appreciation for all first responders serving in Pennsylvania.

Good Will Fire Marshal Dennis McArdle was master of ceremonies for the 9/11 ceremony held on Sept. 11 at the fire station.
The official party prepares to enter the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown, for their 9/11 Remembrance ceremony.
Good Will Fiirefighter Steve Oplinger sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Gorr read the poem, “In the Stairwell,” during the remembrance ceremony.
Laurys Station Fire Co. Chief Chris Greb explains the significance of the Flags of Remembrance during the Good Will Fire Company remembrance ceremony.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND Laying a wreath in memory of lost law enforcement personnel on 9/11 are Trooper 1st Class Nathan Branosky, State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem, and Upper Macungie Police Officer Ryan Mertus, Cetronia Paramedic and Director of Education Mike LaPearl. Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 Fire Chief Leroy Gross placed a wreath in memory of firefighters and EMS personnel lost on 9/11.
Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 Safety Officer Dennis Bower rang the fireman's ceremonial bell four series of five rings signaling first responders who have answered their last call.
The Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 217, Mertztown, fired a salute to the fallen at the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown 9/11 Remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11.
Cetronia Ambulance Corps Paramedic and Director of Education Mike LaPearl reflected on his years serving in New York harbor as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard at the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, spoke at the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, ceremony at the fire station.
Empty turnout gear, flags and wreaths mark the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown 9/11 Remembrance ceremony held Sept. 11 at the fire station.
Firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and speakers gather at the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1, Trexlertown, 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the fire station.