Unless you are a volunteer firefighter or are a family member of one, when the siren goes off in the distance announcing a fire or other emergency, you probably give it passing notice.

But when tragedy strikes, as it did last week, we as a community take notice and are reminded of the dangerous but necessary work that these courageous volunteers do.

The sad and unfortunate deaths of two New Tripoli firefighters last Wednesday remind us of the dangers. Deaths of volunteer firefighters are rare in the five-county Times News area, but even one is too many.

The fire that these two firefighters encountered was a burning home in West Penn Township that was serious enough to bring volunteers from Schuylkill, Lehigh, Carbon and Berks counties to the scene.

In addition to the two deceased victims, two West Penn Township firefighters were injured and hospitalized, one in critical condition.

The dead New Tripoli firefighters have been identified as Marvin Gruber, 59, and Assistant Chief Zachary Paris, 36. Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio ruled that both died of “asphyxia (suffocation) and thermal injuries (severe burns).’’

The body of one of the occupants of the home was found a short distance away, but authorities say it might be several weeks before the cause of his death can be determined.

Law enforcement officials have labeled the fire as “suspicious,’’ so the cause of the fire is still being investigated by fire marshals and police.

It is at a time such as this that the value and sacrifice of these brave men and women is really appreciated, but far too often we take their work for granted. Remember, they put their lives on the line without pay every time they answer a call.

There was another firefighter in Pennsylvania killed in the line of duty last week: Kurt Keilhofer, 66, of the Mapleton Fire Department in Huntingdon County was struck by a vehicle as he responded to an emergency call last Tuesday.

The potential for danger is one of the reasons why the ranks of our volunteers nationwide are thinning. Seventy firefighters died in the line of duty in 2021, about half of them volunteers. Of course, there are other major reasons for fewer volunteers, too: Busy lives, workers employed in far-off communities, etc.

According to firefighter association figures, in 1970, there were nearly 300,000 volunteers; today, there are fewer than 40,000. This has caused some volunteer companies in adjoining or nearby communities to merge or, in some cases, disband.

When you think about it, the second that siren goes off, a volunteer’s life is at risk. There is the trip to the fire station or the scene of the fire, where speed is urgent. There is the danger at the scene, especially when the source of the fire is not immediately known or its severity is fully understood.

One of the most painful tragedies I covered in my 62-year journalistic career was on June 26, 1964, when a tractor-trailer loaded with dynamite and blasting caps exploded on Route 209 north of East Stroudsburg, killing four Marshalls Creek volunteer firefighters in Monroe County. The driver, from Port Carbon, Schuylkill County, was later charged with removing the “explosives” placard from the truck as he walked to a service station to get help because of a flat tire. As a result, the firefighters were completely unaware of the dangerous cargo they were confronting as they arrived at the scene. Two civilians also were killed in the devastating blast that also caused more than $1 million in property damage.

I have never been a volunteer firefighter, but I have known many from the communities in which I have lived and worked. To a person, they are fiercely dedicated. They love their community and see this as one important way to give back to their town. I call it ``paying their community rent.’’

The “danger’’ aspect takes this volunteerism to an extremely high level. These men and women have families, jobs and are plugged into their communities, which is why they do what they do.

It was beyond impressive to see the line of vehicles and people who lined the route where the bodies of the two victims were brought from the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office to South Whitehall Township where further forensic examinations were made. The 2 ½-hour procession started on Route 209 in New Philadelphia.

The outpouring of sympathy and commendations was really heartwarming, and there will be additional tributes and services in the days to come. What we need to remember, however, is the selfless acts that these volunteers perform on our behalf day in and day out. One way we can help in a tangible way is to contribute to the fundraising efforts which are prevalent at this time of year. GoFundMe campaigns have also been started to help the victims’ families.

By Bruce Frassinelli | tneditor@tnonline.com