“Pride in commitment … pride in community” is the motto of the Mahoning Valley Fire Company.

Fire Chief Mark Ebbert emphasized both during a “Celebration of Community” event at the fire company on Saturday.The official reason was for the dedication and housing of a 2017 KME model tank truck.Leading up to that event was a “Cornfield Classic Coaster Race,” an old-fashioned carnival which featured free activities for children, an open house, the serving of dinner and the awarding of various trophies.“We’re here to dedicate this truck and house this new truck,” Ebbert said. “But one thing is more important to celebrate. It’s the people.”He said the fire department is grateful for its forefathers who started the fire company in 1951, the individuals who have tirelessly worked to continue keeping the department going, to the people who attended the festivities.Ebbert said the new tanker replaces a 30-year-old vehicle, which will be taken out of service.The truck, costing $378,000, was made possible with a $238,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. He said such grants are very competitive and the fire company’s obtaining it “truly is like winning the lottery.”Leroy Leibenguth, who served as fire chief from 1979 to 1982, was given the honor of christening the truck. He smashed a bottle of Champagne across the front tow hook.Members of the fire company then ceremoniously pushed the tanker into the firehouse while former fire chief Chuck Pollock sat in the driver’s seat.Assistant Chief Jay Michalik served as master of ceremonies.Bryan Pollock, fire company president, said he was pleased that the truck was bought locally — from KME/Rev in Nesquehoning.He said when the previous tanker was bought in 1985, it was obtained from the Pierce Corporation in Wisconsin. He recalled his father, David Pollock, and three other volunteers making the 16-hour trip to Wisconsin to pick up the vehicle.State Rep. Doyle, R-Carbon, mentioned the important role firefighters and first responders play in any emergency, whether it be a smoke investigation or a terror attack.He also said, “What’s awesome about this vehicle is it was made in Carbon County.”The new truck can carry 3,000 gallons of water and has a 750 gallons-per-minute pump.Ebbert said the truck is important to the fire department and the community.“It is a vital part of our efforts due to our being a rural fire company,” he said, noting that many parts of the township have no fire hydrants.Ken Kris, vice president and general manager of KME/Rev, presented the keys of the vehicle to Michalik.The carnival consisted of games, many with a fire prevention theme.One game had a structure with pictures of flames showing at the windows. Children put on firefighter boots and used a hose to knock out the “flames.”Members and apparatus from several surrounding fire departments took part in the dedication program.Special awards included:• Community Choice Award to participating fire department — West Penn Township Fire Department. Firefighter Rick Mertz accepted the award.• Fire Department Special Award — Lt. Tim Schnell for his work on helping to maintain the equipment.• Fire Department Appreciation Award — Financial secretary Cathy Smith.Winners of the Cornfield Classic Coaster Race were:• 8- to 11-year-old derby — 1. Owen Serfass, 2. Angelina Fisher, 3. Autumn Heckman.• 12- to 15-year-old derby — 1. Hunter Rausch, 2. Zack Miller, 3. Tate Sherrell.• 8- to 11-year-old jalopy — 1. Makai Breiner.• 12- to 15-year-old jalopy — 1. Grant Rimbey.