After nine years as a Palmerton borough council member, Jason Behler, the current council vice president, has called it quits.

At Thursday night's meeting, Behler turned in his resignation, and it was accepted by his fellow board members.Council member Terry Costenbader said, "We're going to miss your input. We're going to miss you," which was echoed by other council members."You're not going to be a stranger here?" Costenbader added.Behler gave no reason for his resignation during the meeting, and said only that it was for "personal reasons" after the meeting.Council member Kris Hoffner said after the meeting, "He's been wonderful. His knowledge of fire department issues has been an asset."Behler was elected assistant fire chief in November at the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company. He has 25 years of experience in the department.The position was vacated when the assistant fire chief, Dennis Behler, was appointed fire chief in October by council, following the retirement of then fire Chief Larry Zawaly, who also resigned from the fire department.Zawaly was acknowledged by the council early in the meeting for his contributions to the borough. The resolution acknowledging his contribution was one of three approved on Thursday. The other two were for a corporation and a community organization.Council member Behler read the resolution recognizing Zawaly's "many years of faithful service as a volunteer fireman."It also stated that he began his service at Fire Co. No. 1 and served in all capacities from firefighter to assistant chief and company president.After becoming a member of West End Fire Co. No. 2, Zawaly again served as assistant fire chief and fire chief. He was in that role when operations shifted to the new Palmerton Municipal Fire Company.In response to the passage of the resolution, Zawaly asked for permission to say a few words."I thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of Palmerton. I've seen it all in my 41 years," he said, explaining that he has seen good times, bad times and everything in else. "I worked with some very nice and many wonderful people."He added that, if permitted, he would like to volunteer again in some small way in the fire department.Of the other two resolutions, one was for Pencor Services Inc. for its strong commitment to the community.The company's efforts have "led the demand for more office space and employment opportunities … bolstering the economy on all levels."The resolution also mentioned its renovation of the gymnasium in the borough building for the benefit of all people in the community.The third resolution recognized the Palmerton Holiday Lighting Committee and its work to replace the 20-year-old decorations along Delaware Avenue with new ones throughout the business district and around the park."An innovative idea for sponsored Christmas trees in the park has brought a new celebration tradition and pride to the area," the resolution stated.Hoffner said there has been overwhelming support for the Christmas in the Park event, and congratulated the members. Joe Federanich, Marj Federanich and Michele O'Neill were present at the meeting to represent the committee.Joe Federanich told the council they intend to add even more trees next year. This year, they had about 78 Christmas trees that were decorated for a fee by members of the community.