SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – The 59th Annual Schuylkill County Firefighters’ Convention started on Sunday, August 18 with a Memorial Service in Mahanoy City. The service began with a procession from the Citizens Fire Company, the host of the convention, to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Church on West Mahanoy Avenue. The entire Mahanoy City Fire Department was joined by companies from throughout Schuylkill County in the procession.
Attendees were welcomed to the church by the pastor of the parish, Rev. Kevin Gallagher and the President of the Citizens, Harry Wagner Jr.. Readings from scripture were given by lectors who represented three groups of people. The first was Mary Macleary, wife of the late Paul Macleary (former Fire Chief), who represented the families of firefighters who wait to welcome the firefighters home from a call. The second lector was Mallory Dulsky, granddaughter of William Dulsky who was killed in the Line of Duty, who represented the families of those who did not return from a call. The third lector was Gabby Smith, a junior firefighter in Mahanoy City, who represented the current and future generations of firefighters.
A reading from the Gospel was given by Father Gary Mensinger and a reflection was given by Rev. Fred Crawford. Fallen firefighters from Schuylkill County and beyond were honored as their names were read aloud by Mark Bernardyn and the were remembered with a ring of the bell by John “Bucky” Rogers. Taps was played by Tom Ward followed by Bernadette Jespersen playing the bagpipes. A final blessing was given before the firefighters filed out of the Church.
The firefighters in attendance marched back to the Citizens Station where all Mahanoy City Fire Department apparatus gathered on Centre Street to be blessed by Rev. Fred Crawford. Everyone was thanked for attending and welcomed into the fire house for food and refreshments. The events continued with a video presentation on historic fires in Mahanoy City.
The convention continues all week with different events held at the Citizens and throughout Mahanoy City with the major event being a large parade starting at 1:30 PM on Saturday.
