BY DEBRA PALMIERI

dpalmieri@tnonline.com

Members of the community, stretching from Pennsylvania to Frederick County, Md., and beyond, turned out by the thousands to attend a public viewing and memorial service at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School for New Tripoli volunteer firefighters Marvin Gruber, 59, and First Assistant Chief Zachary Paris, 36, who died Dec. 7 while searching for an individual reportedly trapped in a house fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County.

Multiple buses stopped at the entrance of the school as firefighters from numerous fire companies disembarked in full dress uniform to pay their respects to the two men who died heroes.

Paris was a 2005 graduate of Fleetwood High School.

He volunteered as a junior firefighter for Blandon Fire Company until 2010, when he moved to New Tripoli, and joined the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli as a volunteer firefighter. He then worked his way up to assistant chief.

He also was a member of the recruit class 32 for Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue, Md., from this March to September, when he graduated to become a career firefighter and EMT.

Following graduation, he began working for the Green Valley Fire Station, part of Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue.

He traveled between Green Valley and New Tripoli, serving both fire stations, since September.

Gruber, a 1981 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, earned numerous professional certifications in public safety and EMS areas and was assistant chief of public safety for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, for 22 years.

He was a volunteer firefighter for the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli since 2020.

He also had served as assistant chief of the former Northwestern Ambulance Corps.

The memorial service, limited to family, friends and fellow firefighters was livestreamed at https://youtu.be/wtPPBnv1nBU.

On the middle school stage were two caskets with American flags draped over each and photos of the two firefighters on display.

In the center, three sets of firefighting turnout gear - one each for Gruber and Paris from Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, and one for Paris from the Frederick County Fire Company.

As the service began, more than a dozen bagpipers entered the auditorium and marched down the center aisle.

Family members of each fallen firefighter were escorted to their seats by a firefighter.

Pastor Wally Frisch of Ebenezer United Church of Christ welcomed everyone to the service.

Everyone stood for the presentation of colors as the song “God Bless America” enveloped the room.

Pastor Frisch then prayed, saying in part,

“Zach and Marvin stood up to help others.

“Today, we ask the Lord to start the healing with this humble occasion.”

He then read a lesson from Matthew 5:4.

“God blesses those who grieve ... God blesses those people who want to obey him ... God blesses those who are merciful ... God blesses those whose hearts are pure ...”

A moving solo rendition of the song, “Hallelujah” was then presented.

Newly-elected state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, then addressed the gathering.

Coleman offered his personal condolences and those of the constituents he represents.

“I thank all of you who showed up to honor these hometown heroes,” Coleman said. “They made the decision to show up.

“They made the decision to show up for training.”

He then addressed members of the community.

“Call the fire company,” Coleman advised.

“Ask what you can do to help.”

Pennsylvania’s Acting Fire Commissioner Charles McGarvey took to the lectern addressing Gruber and Paris’ family and their family at the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli saying he shared Gov. Tom Wolf’s “deepest and heartfelt condolences.”

“You all are in our hearts and prayers,” McGarvey said.

McGarvey spoke to serving as a firefighter.

“As firefighters, we acknowledge and accept the inherent risk that comes with our job,” McGarvey said.

He then quoted Greek philosopher Thucydides.

““The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”

McGarvey said he spoke with New Tripoli Fire Chief Gary Kuntz Jr. and members of the fire team.

“It is easy to understand these men were loved,” McGarvey said.

“They spoke of their devotion to family and their dedication to the community.”

Discussing his own experiences after losing two fellow firefighters, McGarvey offered advise to the firefighting community.

“You need to remember all the good they did,” McGarvey said. “Seek professional counseling if you need it.

“Your spirits must remains strong. And, always do your utmost to ensure firefighter safety.”

He then addressed Gruber and Paris’ family members.

“I recognize your sacrifice and I thank you,” McGarvey said. “You gave a part of yourself. You gave your loved ones.

“They gave their all. Forever we will be in their debt.

“Let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice they made.”

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong told the gathering that his father was a firefighter.

“When the alarm sounded, they went out,” he said. “Lehigh County has lost two of its best citizens.

“We are a community. We always go out and help each other.

“There are no words that can justify the pain.”

After saying there were two proclamations from himself and county commissioners for the fallen heroes, Armstrong said, “Let us never forget Dec. 7.”

A visibly shaken Kuntz thanked everyone for attending the memorial service and then asked for a moment of silence.

“Zach and Marvin were two of the most laid back gentle souls you could ever meet,” Kuntz said. “These two men were leaders, mentors.

“Have no doubt in your minds these two men are heroes.”

Kuntz then discussed several memorable experiences he had with Gruber and Paris.

“Both of these heroes have made our department and their families proud,” Kuntz said.

“When the tone drops, rest assured, we will be on the back of the engine because we have a community depending on us.”

Frisch then gave the benediction.

“May the blessing of God Almighty be among you.”

The honor guard with drums and bagpipers marched down the center aisle and the bell was sounded with five rings, three times, transferring the two heroes to “Heaven’s Station.”

The bagpipers played “Amazing Grace” and the flags on the caskets were folded into triangle shapes by Frederick County Department of Fire and Rescue Service firefighters as “Taps” was played.

The flags were then presented to the wives and families of the fallen firefighters.

In closing, a Last Call tone was dispatched by county communications for the two hero firefighters.