Members of Polk Township Volunteer Fire Department and their guests celebrated the accomplishments of 2023 and shared goals for 2024 during their annual banquet Saturday evening.

“We responded to 262 emergencies, helped nine other fire departments with calls and had 30 firefighters on the roster in 2023,” said fire chief Billy Tippett. “We purchased new turnout gear, paid off one of two loans on the 2016 Sutphen engine and signed a contract to buy a 2027 Pierce Pumper.”

He said he will be encouraging members to take Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 courses if they have not done so. He also wants to focus on recruitment of firefighters, social members and Ladies Auxiliary members.

“We’re extremely lucky to have members like Eddie Arnold, Mary Lou Hawk and Clarence Hawk who were part of the fire department’s founding in 1969 and are still members,” he said.

Arnold received a 55 years of service award from outgoing fire company President Bryan Beck and state Rep. Jack Rader. The Hawks were not able to attend and will receive theirs later.

Ladies Auxiliary president Patsy George presented Bryan Beck with a check for $10,000 - which is proceeds from monthly breakfasts, hoagie sales, hall rentals and events.

Polk Township supervisors Brian Ahner, Michael Hurley and Carl Heckman presented the Member of the Year award to Wendy Cronshey, the incoming president.

“I am looking forward to getting a lot of things done,” she said.

Heckman took a moment to thank all the firefighters “for responding to a fire at my property” and for all the other calls the department responds to throughout the year.

The supervisors presented the Firefighter of the Year award to Michael Sabo, who has been a Polk firefighter for five years and before that was with Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder in Saylorsburg for nine and a half years.

“My wife and I live close to the firehouse and have a business from home, so I can make many of the fire calls,” he said.

Other award recipients were: Al Keller, 50 years of service; Rich Beck, 35 years of service; Matt Schessler, Rick Sherer and Tippett, 25 years of service; Derrick Burger, 20 years of service; James Schaefer, 10 years of service; and Gary Huber, five years of service.

In front of the Station 35 balloon arch - filled with red, orange, yellow balloons and firetruck balloons - Tippett, Burger and Schessler had their photo taken as the three chiefs, who have been Polk firefighters for a combined 70 years. Burger is the deputy chief and Schessler is the assistant chief.

The other 2024 line officers are: Mike Sabo, captain; Patrick Sousy and Bryan Beck, lieutenants; Zack Schoenberger and Matt Davidson, engineers; and Aaron Keller, safety officer.

Cronshey announced her 2024 executive board: Bill Tippett, vice president; Candy Burger, secretary; Cindy Haydt, treasurer; Rich Beck, Bryan Beck, Rusty Burger, Aaron Keller, Mike Sabo, Rick Sawyer and Zack Schoenberger, directors.

George announced her 2024 auxiliary board: Fern Smith, vice president; Shirley Haydt, secretary; Gail Anders, treasurer; Vicky Serfass, corresponding secretary; and Dottie Jeker, event coordinator.