New Tripoli community mourns the loss of two of their volunteer firefighters.

 TRAGEDY STRIKES COMMUNITY FIRE CO. OF NEW TRIPOLI

FIREFIGHTERS PERISH WHILE RESPONDING TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

Zachary Paris,39 and Marvin Gruber, 59. perished while responding to a call for assistance Wednesday in West Penn township, Schuylkill county, just south of Tamaqua. It was reported as a call for assistance from the local fire company with a possible entrapment.

I served as a treasurer for this Fire co. for several years and have witnessed the selfless dedication of the volunteers at this fire co. They sacrifice many hours spent in training and responding to fires, vehicle rescues, ambulance assistance, road cleanup and other emergencies. They respond promptly while taking time form their jobs, families and personal pursuits, often spending hours at the scene of these emergencies all on a volunteer basis. They spend their time also taking meticulous care of the equipment of the community. All these endeavors are very dangerous, and sadly these two have paid the ultimate price.

Everyone should remember their families in their prayers and also pray for the other volunteers who are dealing with this tragic loss. Without a doubt the community has lost two of their best residents.