By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Community Fire Company No. 1, Schnecksville, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 12.
Fire company firefighters and members were joined by the other North Whitehall fire companies Tri-Clover, Neffs and Laury’s Station at the ceremony.
At a fall 1923 meeting of the North Whitehall Odd Fellows, the members decided to start a fire company rather than build a lodge for their meetings.
The fire company officially started Jan. 17, 1924, with recruitment of members and requests for donations.
By May of 1924, the fire company had purchased a Hahn fire truck for $5,289. The fire company continued to grow, especially following World War II with the addition of new apparatus, membership and the construction of the new fire station at 4450 Old Packhouse Road, Schnecksville, in 1988.
Fire Chief Ron Stahley was also honored for his service to the fire company.
Stahley has been the fire chief for 37 years and a member since 1975. His wife Alice and family have lived through many an interrupted dinner, outings and other events when, as a volunteer firefighter, he would rush off to respond to a fire alarm or medical emergency.
Donald Jacobs, director of Emergency Management, North Whitehall, was master of ceremonies at the 100th anniversary celebration of Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville, on Oct. 12.PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
North Whitehall Township Manager Randy Cope shared his appreciation for Community Fire Co. No. 1 at the 100th anniversary celebration.
Lehigh County Commissioner Antonia Pineda shared his thoughts at the anniversary celebration of the fire company.
Community Fire Co. No. 1 President Charles Weidaw reads a proclamation congratulating Fire Chief Ron Stahley for his long-term commitment to the fire company. Stahley has been fire chief for 37 years. His recognition came during the 100th anniversary celebration on Oct. 12.
Firefighters with Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville, gather next to the outdoor stage at the fire station and listen as Fire Chief Ron Stahley is recognized for his 37 years as chief during the anniversary celebration.
Alice Stahley holds hands with husband, Ron, during his recognition for 37 years as fire chief during the 100th anniversary celebration of Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville.
Dignitaries and fire officials, state Rep. Zack Mako, R-183rd, North Whitehall Manager Randy Cope, Community Fire Co. No. 1 Deputy Fire Chief Mark Kaintz, Fire Chief Ron Stahley holding a soda and acid water fire extinguisher memento, Community Fire Co. No. 1 President Chuck Weidaw, Sarah Hildebrant, representing the office of state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, Lehigh County Commissioner Antonia Pineda and Pastor Dennis Moore were on hand at the 100th anniversary celebration of the fire company on Oct. 12.
Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville Chief Ron Stahley holds an engraved classic soda/acid water extinguisher presented to him during the 100th anniversary celebration. The inscription reads: “With Great Honor and In Recognition to Your Loyal and Dedicated Years of Community Service to North Whitehall Twp. We Thank You For Your Commitment, Sacrifices and Leadership.”
Firefighters with Community Fire Co. No. 1, Schnecksville, Chuck Weidaw, Kacee Kaintz, Adam Pursell, Nick Kline, Kayden Sabbar, Mark Kaintz Sr., Chief Ron Stahley, Mark Kaintz Jr., Doug Bartholomew, Myles Heller, Jeremy Schook, Mark Kohler, Geroge Croak and Rich Rein at the anniversary celebration.
Community Fire Co. No. 1 President Chuck Weidaw and Fire Chief Ron Stahley hold a flag crocheted by Schnecksville resident Lisa Minnich for the 100th anniversary celebration on Oct. 12.
