Northampton Borough Fire Department hosted a successful inaugural youth summer camp July 10-14. The camp was held at the firehouse, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive, and was designed for men and women ages 12-15.

The camp featured different firefighting events each day. The training events included learning what a firefighter does, firefighter ethics of service to the community, hands-on training, team building, equipment education and more.

There were 17 motivated attendees, full of spirit and enthusiasm, who demonstrated teamwork and experienced camaraderie.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, delivered words of thanks and encouragement to the cadets and their families present at the graduation ceremony July 15. Each cadet received a certificate of accomplishment for their efforts during the week.

Northampton Fire Department Chief Keith Knoblach offered thanks to the cadets and their families and hoped this camp sparks an interest in the youngsters, leading them to become junior firefighters.

Knoblach also thanked Northampton Borough Council for its consistent support of the fire department. Three council members were present at the cadet graduation celebration. Councilmen Kenneth Hall, Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. and Trevor Stone said they were delighted by the ceremony, the number of cadets and the nice turnout by cadet families.

Knoblach noted he was excited by the success of the first-year effort and the possibility of an annual camp. He thanked his fire department team for developing and executing an experience the cadets enjoyed, allowing them to learn many traits that may lead them to become new firefighters.