Members of the community turned out by the thousands to attend a public viewing and memorial service Dec. 17 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.

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 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 March to September, when he graduated to become a career firefighter and EMT.

After 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 served as assistant chief of the former Northwestern Ambulance Corps.

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.

“Zach and Marvin stood up to help others,” Frisch said. “Today, we ask the Lord to start the healing with this humble occasion.”

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, offered his personal condolences.

“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.”

Pennsylvania’s Acting Fire Commissioner Charles McGarvey took to the lectern, saying he shared Gov. Tom Wolf’s “deepest and heartfelt condolences.”

“You all are in our hearts and prayers,” McGarvey said. “As firefighters, we acknowledge and accept the inherent risk that comes with our job.”

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. You need to remember all the good they did. Seek professional counseling if you need it. Your spirits must remain 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 spoke to the group, mentioning his father was a firefighter.

“Lehigh County has lost two of its best citizens,” Armstrong said. “We are a community. We always go out and help each other. There are no words that can justify the pain.”

Armstrong noted there were two proclamations from himself and county commissioners for the fallen heroes.

A visibly shaken Kuntz thanked everyone for attending the memorial service and 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.

“Both of these heroes have made our department and their families proud,” Kuntz added. “When the tone drops, rest assured, we will be on the back of the engine because we have a community depending on us.”

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 presented to the wives and families of the fallen firefighters.