Staying power: 4 Lehighton volunteers combine for nearly 200 years of service

or nearly a half century, they have continued to answer the call.

Together, firefighters Larry Diehl, Gary Frable, Wayne Nothstein and Paul Mriss have formed the backbone of the Lehighton Fire Department.

All four joined the fire department within five years of each other during the Nixon era, and have combined to amass nearly 200 years of experience.

To further cement their staying power, the same quartet of volunteers remain stalwarts in their community as active firefighters to this day.

Evidently, the word retirement isn’t in their vocabulary.

Joining the department

Nothstein was the first of the four to join the department back in 1969.

Mriss was the next to join in 1972, followed by Frable in 1973 and Diehl in 1974.

“Once it’s in your blood, it’s hard to get out,” Mriss said.

Nothstein said the foursome intend to continue serving for as long as their physical health enables them to.

“We probably all will keep doing it as long as our health holds out,” Nothstein said. “Every little bit can help; the lack of manpower during the day makes a big difference.”

Changes over time

Compared to when they first started, all agree today’s level of training is much more involved.

“There’s more training,” Diehl said.

Despite that demand on time, Nothstein said the department has a nice mix of veterans and youth.

“The guys realize how important the training is,” he said. “The young people just fall right in and know what’s expected.”

They agreed if they’re able to keep a firefighter with the department for five years, they tend to stick around.

Why they volunteer

Fully aware that volunteering is a thankless job, all four have their own reasons why they continue to serve the department.

“I enjoy being active here at the fire department, basically for the camaraderie that we have here, and I also like to operate the equipment,” Diehl said. “It’s just a good feeling to serve the community.”

Frable added, “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s something everyone should try.”

Nothstein said it, “Got into the blood, and we’re still doing it today because we know how important it is for volunteers.”

“We need volunteers, especially during the day,” Nothstein said. “It’s good to be here now, and enjoying every minute of it serving the community.”

Mriss said for him, it’s always been about giving back.

“I enjoy helping others, and especially the brotherhood that we have here and getting to meet with all the people,” he said.

Despite the trials and tribulations firefighters often experience, all agree it’s worth it.

“It’s more than just putting on your bunker gear and helmet,” Mriss said. “It’s rewarding.”

Nothstein said nothing brightens a firefighters day more than when people “show their appreciation for what you do.”

“When someone says ‘thank you’, it means a lot to the morale,” he said.

We’ll be featuring volunteers from area fire companies on the fourth Saturday of every month. Send suggestions to tneditor@tnonline.com.