MCADOO FIRE COMPANY RECOGNIZES FIREFIGHTERS, VOLUNTEERS DURING ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

Firefighters Banquet, McAdoo Fire Company, Capriottis, Tresckow, 3-8-2014 (a) — Pictured from front left are Matt Capulich, Deputy Chief, McAdoo Fire Company (MFC); Andy Ulichny, trustee, MFC; Gary Hess, Schuylkill County Commissioner; Donald Leshko, Engineer, MFC; Frank Zangari, Fire Chief, Girardville; Anthony Vigna, Assistant Chief, MFC; and Michael Bowman, MFC and McAdoo Ambulance. From back left are Daniel Leshko, Captain, MFC; Vincent Chitswara, Lt., MFC; Gary Perna Sr., Assistant Engineer, MFC; Eugene McHugh Sr., Engineer, MFC; Gary Perna Jr., Assistant Engineer, MFC; Robert Leshko, Fire Chief, MFC; Michelle Hudock, trustee, MFC; Lance Borchick, secretary and firefighter, MFC; and Ryan Gasper, firefighter and EMT, MFC.

The McAdoo Fire Company held their 93rd Anniversary Banquet on Saturday (March 8, 2014) at Capriotti’s in Tresckow. During the banquet, numerous firefighters and volunteers were recognized for heroic actions and dedication to the fire company and McAdoo community.
The banquet’s program read:
“Another year in the history of the McAdoo Fire Company Inc. has slowing drawn to a close. During this past year many long hours of hard work have been expended on making this another historic year. As we look back, we find that this has been accomplished through the dedicated service of our members and their families.
For any organization to be successful, it requires the unselfish dedication of its membership. To give of their time and efforts to accomplish the goals set forth by the organization. We had set our goals in the beginning of this year. Our goals seemed almost impossible to reach, it would mean many hours of hard work.
Through the efforts of our membership, we have reached these goals, and in most cases, exceeded our own expectations. This showed the true spirit of Brotherhood by which we are bound. It would be almost impossible to express our gratitude to each and every individual. Most importantly, we thank our families for their support and understanding and thank everybody who supported us in all our fundraisers.
“Least we forget… To those who have done their part these past 93 years and are now deceased… we bow our head in silent prayer.”

State Representative Jerry Knowles, a past volunteer firefighter, talks during the program.	Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess speaks to the volunteers during the program.
McAdoo Fire Chief Robert Leshko presents one of numerous awards during the program.	Speaker Frank Zangari, Girardville Fire Chief, makes the crowd laugh during his speech.
Deputy Chief Matt Capulich talks to the crowd about the importance of volunteers and community support.	Volunteer photographer Mary Beth Leshko does a great job of capturing the moment.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Frank Zangari, Fire Chief, Girardville Borough.
Remarks were provided by McAdoo Fire Company President Matt Capulich and Fire Chief Robert Leshko.
Guest speakers were Kevin L. Kulp, Fire Chief, Western Berks Fire Department; Jerry Knowles, PA Representative Jerry Knowles; and Gary Hess, Schuylkill County Commissioner.
Providing the Year in Review was company Captain Daniel Leshko.
Presenting company awards were President Matt Capulich, Fire Chief Robert Leshko, Lieutenant Vincent Chitswara, Mary Ann Leshko, and Barbara McHugh.
Leshko said the fire company responded to 550 calls in 2013. He added the fire company’s appreciation to Frank Zangari, Kevin Kulp, McAdoo Mayor Stephan R. Holly, McAdoo Councilmen, Kline Township Supervisors, Representative Jerry Knowles, Commissioner Gary Hess, APTS, Hazle Township Fire Company, Hometown Fire Company, Tresckow Fire Company, Keystone Fire Company, and all the members of the McAdoo Fire Company.
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COMPANY AWARDS:
Receiving company awards were Tammy Martin (Bill Riccio Community Award), Michelle Soboleski (Robert Leshko McAdoo Fire Company Award), Nick Turner (Robert Leshko McAdoo Ambulance Award), Ryan Gasper (Firefighter of the Year Award), and Jeff Payne (Eugene Duffy McHugh Award for Junior Firefighter).
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Receiving Green Cross Awards for Rescues with Jaws Of Life were Vincent Chitswara, Robert Leshko, Daniel Leshko, Michael Bowman and Leon Motel.
Receiving EMS Awards for Saving A Life On EMS Call were Gary Perna Jr. and Nick Turner.
Receiving Medal of Courage (for WSF on June 22, 2013) were Robert Leshko, Leon Sobowleski Jr., Lance Borchick, John Mears Sr. and Matt Capulich.
Receiving Medal Of Valor (for WSF on June 22, 2013) were Donald Leshko, Daniel Leshko and Vincent Chitswara.

Pictured from left are MFC Fire Chief Robert Leshko, Tammy Martin (Bill Riccio Community Award), Michelle Soboleski (Robert Leshko McAdoo Fire Company Award), Nick Turner (Robert Leshko McAdoo Ambulance Award), Ryan Gasper (Firefighter of the Year Award), Jeff Payne (Eugene Duffy McHugh Award for Junior Firefighter), and MFC Deputy Chief Matthew Capulich.	Receiving the Medal of Valor, from front left are, firefighters Donald Leshko, Daniel Leshko, and Vincent Chitswara. Receiving the Medal of Courage, from back left, are firefighters Robert Leshko, Leon Sobowleski Jr., Lance Borchick, Matt Capulich, and John Mears Sr.
Receiving EMS Awards for Saving A Life On EMS Call were Gary Perna Jr. (left) and Nick Turner (right). Presenting the award was a man (center) they saved.	The banquet drew a large crowd of firefighters and supporters.

Closing remarks were by company Vice President Donald Leshko.
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The fire company’s website is www.McAdooFireEMS.com. Their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/McAdooFireCompany.
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2013 Video Presentation Compilation (by McAdoo Fire Company Lieutenant Vincent Chitswara):