The Northwestern Lehigh Firefighter Foundation was established in response to the tragic loss of firefighters Zachary Paris and Marvin Gruber of New Tripoli Fire Company while battling a house fire on Dec. 7, 2022.

“The mission of the foundation is to work with the Northwestern Lehigh community to raise awareness, appreciation, and resources to support the volunteer firefighters and those injured or fallen in the line of duty,” said foundation chairman Justin Smith.

“This is rooted in the belief that the vitality of a community is based on who is able to help the community when it is most in need and in the Northwestern Lehigh Community that is our volunteer firefighters.”

Local business leaders, legislative representatives, community leaders and a lifelong firefighter joined together just weeks after the tragic events of December 2022 to form The Northwestern Lehigh Firefighters Foundation. The original contributing members included: Kylie Adams Weiss, Chad Butters, Justin Smith, Ronald Jerdon, Donald Christ, Steve Feinour, and John Hayes.

The foundation officially received its 501(c)3 status on Nov. 21, 2023.

The foundations priorities include:

• Build a memorial, located in Ontelaunee Park, to honor the service and sacrifice of firefighters from Germansville, New Tripoli, Lynnport, and Weisenberg fire companies.

• Build a firefighter themed splash park at Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli.

• Host a Firefighter Appreciation Picnic on May 4. The picnic will be open to the public.

• Fundraise to assist with training and support equipment requirements.

The foundation thanks the Germansville, Lynnport, New Tripoli, and Weisenberg fire companies for their work to help establish the foundation’s mission and priorities.

If interested in learning more about how you can help contribute to this project, visit NWLFF.org.