A dedication program for a firetruck at the Coaldale Fire Department on Saturday had a somber atmosphere, not only because the event occurred on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11.

The vehicle, a 1994 Seagrave pumper, was dedicated to fire company Capt. Kyle Zwiesdak, who died a year earlier - Sept. 9, 2020 - of a heart attack at the young age of 32.

The used pumper was purchased from the Christiana Fire Department in Delaware. Zwiesdak was involved in the decision to purchase the truck. Ironically, he died in the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

A firetruck parade was held as part of the dedication event.

Zwiesdak’s daughter, Morgan, 4, and mother, Lynn Stawiarski, rode in the cab of the truck in the front of the parade.

“Captain Kyle Zwiesdak ‘Still Ridin’?” is lettered on the truck.

About 30 pieces of apparatus were in the lineup and all blew their piercing sirens and air horns throughout the parade route.

Before the parade began, Morgan and Lynn joined firefighters in christening the vehicle. The firefighters then ceremoniously pushed the truck into the station.

Coaldale Fire Chief Steve Polischak got choked up as firefighters removed a black cloth that had covered the lettering on the dedicated truck. He said Zwiesdak was a member of the fire department for 16 years, joining when he was just 16. He became an officer in 2012.

Besides belonging to the Coaldale Fire Department, he was also a member of the Summit Hill Fire Department.

He was a 2006 graduate of Panther Valley High School.

The truck, engine 4016, replaces a 1979 Mack pumper. It has a 1,250 gallons-per-minute pump.

It arrived last November and was placed into service nine months later.

Polischak said when it was evident the Mack had to be replaced, the fire company couldn’t afford to buy a new vehicle. They learned of the pumper for sale by the Christiana Delaware Fire Company, went to see it and submitted a bid. The bid was accepted.

Assistant fire Chief Kevin Soberick served as the master of ceremonies, explaining that his theme is “back to our roots.” He said this is the second Seagraves firetruck the fire company has owned. The first piece of apparatus the department had possessed was a 1928 Seagraves that was continued in use until the 1980s.

Angela Krapf, president of Coaldale Borough Council, said, “Our town’s safety is a priority.”

Participating in the truck parade, besides the Coaldale Fire Department, were trucks from fire departments in Walnutport, West Penn Township, Tamaqua, Bowmanstown, Nesquehoning, Lehighton, Hometown, Lansford, Ringtown Valley and Summit Hill.

The dedication program was part of the fire department’s “Rock the Block” block party, which feature live music, rides and food and drink.

Trophies were awarded to parade participants at the block party.