Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company honors its firefighters, members

Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company had many things to celebrate during its annual awards banquet Saturday evening.

First and foremost, is the near completion of the social hall renovation project. The downstairs is finished, and the upstairs will be done in a few days.

“The biggest and most time-consuming task of last year was the beginning stages and planning of hall renovation,” said outgoing president Derrick Burger. “I’d like to thank Bill Tippett and the entire Building and Grounds committee and members for all your hard work and man hours it took to make this project a success and this hall shine.”

The renovation included new lighting, bead board and trim on the walls, an accent wall of stone near the stage, updated bar area, laminate flooring, updated audio/visual equipment, fresh coats of paint and a rebuilt tray bar.

The second thing to celebrate are the firefighters who volunteer their time and talent, and who put themselves in harm’s way as others are fleeing the danger zone.

Seven firefighters were honored for milestone years of service. Collectively, it adds up to 175 years. The recipients are: Allen Keller Jr., 45 years; Larry Weibley, 40 years; Rich Beck, 30 years; Matt Schessler, 20 years; Billy Tippett, 20 years; Derrick Burger, 15 years; and Jim Schaefer, 5 years.

In 2018, the fire company “responded to 203 emergencies, gained six new members and participated in the fire commissioner’s training recognition program. Our goal is to have 50 percent of Polk firefighters trained by the end of 2019,” Fire Chief Tippett said.

Tippett was named Firefighter of the Year, and Christen Strohl was honored as the Member of the Year.

On a sad note, the department lost two firefighters.

“Henry Schierloh was a key component to our fire department for 11 years as a firefighter and fire police. He was also Santa Claus,” Tippett said.

Schierloh dressed up as Santa for Polk Township’s tree lighting ceremony, the December breakfast at the firehouse and its annual Christmas Eve run. He died in August, at age 60.

Zachary Anthony, a former Polk firefighter and later a paid firefighter in York City, died in the line of duty on March 22, 2018. He was 29.

The fourth reason to celebrate is the future.

“We have a lot to come in 2019 with our 50th anniversary parade on June 8,” said incoming President Aaron Keller.

Edna Schoenberger and Shirley Haydt, president and vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary, presented Burger with a check for $5,000. They encouraged the fire department to use the money, which are proceeds from 2018 fundraisers, for the June festivities.

Tippett’s goals for 2019 include growing the membership of the fire department and auxiliary, updating their self-contained breathing apparatus and radio communication equipment and a public relations initiative to educate the community.

“I want to do more to show the community what we do and how much effort it takes to keep getting the trucks out for calls,” Tippett said.

So far in 2019, they have responded to 54 emergencies, he said.

Because all fire departments are experiencing declining volunteer numbers, each department is going further away for calls. They are providing more mutual aid to neighboring departments, as well as covering their first-due area.

“We are working harder to provide for the community,” Tippett said.

Tippett and Burger thanked the township supervisors, elected officials, local businesses, their families and friends for their continued support to the fire company.

Also worthy of celebration are those who will serve in leadership roles.

The 2019 line officers are: Billy Tippett, chief; Ricky Sherer, deputy chief; Derrick Burger, assistant chief; Matt Schessler, captain; lieutenants Aaron Keller and Jim Schaefer; engineers Travis Strohl and Bryan Beck; and John Engles, fire police captain.

The 2019 executive officers are: Aaron Keller, president; Jim Schaefer, vice president; Mary Beth Serfass, secretary; Cindy Haydt, treasurer; directors Rebecca Tippett, Rich Beck, Derrick Burger, Rusty Burger, Ricky Sherer, Barry Borger and Bill Campbell.

The 2019 Ladies Auxiliary officers are: Edna Schoenberger, president; Shirley Haydt, vice president; Sue Shoemaker, secretary; Gail Anders, treasurer; and Dottie Jeker, event coordinator.