Two Palmerton firefighters have been recognized for completing a rigorous class.

Borough fire Chief Jason Behler acknowledged firefighters Chris Weiss and Jacob Bachert at Thursday’s borough council meeting.

Behler noted that both Weiss and Bachert have completed a 200-hour class that prepares firefighters for standard of firefighter professional qualification, and also a firefighter one certification acknowledged by the state.

“We want to recognize the people and families that put their time in,” Behler said.

Behler said the fire department currently has 30 members, six of which are fire police, and that of the remaining 24 firefighters, eight currently have their certification, with five currently enrolled in the class, which will bring the total to 13, which would then make half the fire department state certified.

“It’s a huge investment by firefighters and their families,” Behler said. “It’s a big-time commitment.”

Behler said this will now allow Weiss and Bachert to go inside a burning building.

He then recognized them with black leather fire helmets that signify that within the Palmerton Fire Department that they are interior firefighters.

After the meeting, Behler expressed how pleased he is with the group.

“I’m very proud of the firefighters that step up in this town and make investments in this class, and make not only Palmerton Fire Department a better organization, but also improve and make themselves more aware on the firegrounds and make them less likely to get injured,” he said.