DURYEA — To commemorate 113 years of volunteerism to the community, the officers and members of the Germania Hose Company dedicated a memorial garden Oct. 23 that salutes current and deceased members as well borough leaders.
“It’s just a way of saying thank you and remembering the men and women who came before us,” Fire Chief Joseph Bender said.
The garden consist of an 8-foot-by-8-foot brick area in front of the fire hall; many of the bricks, which currently number 30, contain the names of deceased Duryea firemen who have served the community since the company was organized in 1903.
A ceremony, which featured Bender as well as Mayor Keith Moss, company President Jerry Korea, and Board of Trustees President Roberta Welling, preceded the laying of a wreath at the garden in observance of the recent passing of fireman Fiori Cremard Jr.
The Germania Honor Guard raised the U.S. flag to half staff and a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” while the wreath was being laid. A “Ringing of the Bells” — a bell from a fire truck, rung by a uniformed firemen — sounded a further salute to Cremard.
It was the Rev. Al Cremard of the Independent Bible Church who noted, “That when the siren blares, these volunteers respond without hesitation not knowing what they’re going to get into.” Actually, Bender said that Germania currently has 15 to 20 active members who respond not only to incidents of fire but also water rescue and motor vehicle accidents. Bender said the majority are certified by the State Fire Academy and most have also attended classes at the Luzerne County Community College Burn Center.
Bender has served as fire chief for 11 years. The 37-year-old father of two sons is employed at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and also serves as a part-time police officer for Hughestown Borough.
Overall, Bender says, Germania remains strong with regard to manpower. While other companies in the region have been experiencing a decline in personnel, Bender said in contrast, “We’re holding our own. We’re fortunate, because I know it’s harder in other towns to get volunteers.”
Bender stressed that Germania is an all-volunteer company. “There are no paid drivers, no professionals, just trained people who are ready to respond when the siren sounds,” he said.
Fundamentally, the company’s equipment includes an engine, scuba truck, brush truck, ambulance and a command vehicle. He added that Germania finances its services through a series of events that include a golf tournament, food sales and a summer carnival, in addition to borough and state grants.
Bender added that the garden was developed through a series of donations by business people in the community. The work was executed by members of the fire company.
