TAMAQUA FIREFIGHTERS REMEMBER 9 OF THEIR OWN

About 90 uniformed Tamaqua firefighters marched into the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Tamaqua Sunday evening (May 24, 2015) to pay tribute and remembrance to nine of their own who passed away this year, as well as all fallen firefighters.
The service was part of the Tamaqua Fire Department’s Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association’s 86th Annual Memorial Service.
The department lost nine of its own since last year’s memorial service. American Hose Company lost George Millet. Citizen’s Fire Company lost Harry Heffelfinger and Joseph T. Hollister Sr. East End Fire Company lost Alan R. Kerr and Lewis Smith. South Ward Fire Company lost John A. “Blinky” Plasko, Harold Bachert, Thomas P. Porambo, and Edward Shopple.
Reverend Kevin Duffy-Guy lead the service. Bobbie Coccio served as organist.
Playing of “Taps” was performed by Amy Hull.
The service also included several community participants.
2015 officers of the Tamaqua Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association are Dave Wertman, Chris Hartz, Bob Boyle St., Tom Schlorf, Rob Jones, Jason Green, Joe Rother, Jim Connely, Jay Stidham, Jason Hartz, William Selandones, Tom Nelson, Dale Hadesty, Mark Bower, Keith Oliphant, Ed Herring, Jason Amentler, George Haldeman, Robert Amentler, Mike Angelo, Ray Swartz, Tom Hartz Jr., Chris Heffelfinger, and George Herring.
The service ended with all the firefighters saying the Fireman’s Prayer:
When I am called to duty, God,
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child,
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently,
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to my fate,
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand.
My family and my wife. Amen.