By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Cetronia Fire Department, 3950 Broadway, South Whitehall Township, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Aug. 24.
Visitors from the neighborhood and dignitaries from both the federal and state governments were on hand to help the firefighters celebrate this momentous event.
Founded in 1924 by a group of local residents, the fire department is currently staffed by a well-trained group of firefighters, many of whom take advantage of the live-in program.
This program assures that firefighters can rapidly respond to fire and EMS support calls in the fire district.
All South Whitehall firefighters receive a stipend from the township that pays them for each call to which they respond.
Most calls are paid at $10 each though some come in at $5.
The opening ceremony included an invocation by Pastor Candi Cain Borgman, from Cedar Church, Cetronia.
Cetronia Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz and Carly Groff, trustee with the Cetronia Fire Company Social Club, welcomed visitors to the celebration.
Among those making remarks and presenting certificates of acknowledgment were Tanya Hook, director of Lehigh County Emergency Services, Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, state Sen. Jared Coleman, R-16th, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, Geoff Brace, chairman of Lehigh County Board of Commissioners and Monica Hodges, vice president, of South Whitehall commissioners.
Larry Bernhard, former South Whitehall Township commissioner, was on hand at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cetronia Fire Company.
Cetronia Fire Department Chief Ricardo Diaz welcomes visitors and fellow firefighters to the celebration.
Pastor Candi Cain-Borgman, Cedar Church, Cetronia, gave the invocation at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cetronia Fire Company.
Carly Groff, trustee with the Cetronia Fire Company Social Hall also welcomed visitors to the 100th anniversary celebration on Aug. 24.
Tanya Hook, director, Lehigh County Emergency Services presented a proclamation from her office to Cetronia Fire Department Chief Ricardo Diaz, thanking the fire company for its 100-year commitment to South Whitehall Township.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDCongresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, presented Cetronia Fire Department Chief Ricardo Diaz with a proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the fire company at the event on Aug. 24.
Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, presented an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to Cetronia Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cetronia Fire Company.
State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, congratulates the Cetronia Fire Company. Coleman presented a proclamation to Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz before his talk.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDState Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, presented Cetronia Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz with a proclamation from his office congratulating the Cetronia Fire Co. during its 100th anniversary celebration.
State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, presented Cetronia Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz with a proclamation from his office congratulating the Cetronia Fire Company.
Geoff Brace, chairman of Lehigh County Board of Commissioners presented Cetronia Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz with a proclamation from Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong congratulating the fire company during its 100th anniversary celebration.
Monica Hodges, vice president, South Whitehall commissioners, spoke at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cetronia Fire Company on Aug. 24.
Presenters at the Cetronia Fire Co. during its 100th anniversary celebration included state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, Carly Groff, Cetronia Fire Co Social Club, Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz, former Fire Chief Jay Heicklen, Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, Pastor Candi Cain Borgman, Cetronia Church, Geoff Brace, Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, Tanya Hook, director, Lehigh County Emergency Services and Monica Hodges, vice president, South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners. They are seen in front of the 1947 Maxin Fire Engine used by the department in years past.
Cetronia Firefighters in front of the 1947 Maxin Fire Engine included Edgardo Rivera, Brian Mittura, Kayla James, Bobbie King, Jared Diachynsky, Anthony Levan, Tyler Murray, Fire Chief Ricardo Diaz, former Fire Chief Jay Heicklen, Tyler Durgin, Korbin Greaser, Chad Gorr, Gabe Moronta, Mickey Moldonado and Connor Rispac during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Cetronia Fire Company on Aug. 24.
