Route 143 in Lynn Township from the intersection of state Route 309 to Berks County has been renamed Heroes Highway in honor of fallen firefighters Marvin Gruber and Zachary Paris.

The New Tripoli firefighters died in a fire in West Penn Township in December 2022.

“I don’t think there is a more fitting name,” said Nicholas Gruber, son of Marvin Gruber. “(They) were hardworking family men with full time jobs, and with the little bit of spare time at the end of the day, they honorably served their community without even thinking twice.”

Wearing a T-shirt honoring his son, Gerald Paris recalled Zach once asked, “Can one person make a difference?”

The answer was self-explanatory as he praised volunteers and urged everyone in the crowd to show up at firefighter events.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16, ushered the legislation through the General Assembly to rename part of Route 143. “We’re here to always remember them,” he said.

Gary W. Day, district director and director of policy, invited speakers to a podium positioned in front of a New Tripoli fire truck that served as a backdrop. “This is a community we’re all a part of,” Day said.

In his remarks, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-187, praised Paris and Gruber, citing “their incredible heroic act when they unfortunately gave their lives. (Today) we dedicate a portion of this highway in their honor in remembrance of their legacy, a legacy that carries on into the future.”

It was this conviction that spurred Mackenzie to sponsor the Keystone First Responder Award in May of 2022. “It carries on into the future and has a three year look back,” he explained.

The award honors public servants, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and first responders, who lost their lives or sustained career ending injuries in the line of duty.

The medical center parking lot was transformed Thursday night into a staging ground where community members gathered to participate in the dedication ceremony that closed the road to traffic.

The New Tripoli Fire Company was joined by members of the Weisenberg, Germansville and Lynnport fire companies.

“This is an extended family,” said William Shellhammer of Germansville Fire Department. “When New Tripoli (suffered) the loss of two firefighters in the line of duty, the loss was felt by all of us.”

“It’s a brotherhood, the fire service,” said Jay Scheffler, Germansville’s fire chief. “This is a celebration of life and a show of support for the neighboring department.”

“Two men answered the call for help,” said Gary Kuntz, New Tripoli fire chief. “None of us knew the outcome of that day would be tragic. This is a sacred heroes highway, [where we will always] think about the impact they had on our community.”

The bittersweet weight of the evening was not lost on family members. “I want to thank everyone here,” said Karen Gruber, wife of the late Marvin Gruber.

“The community has been really wonderful and supportive, and I want to thank everyone for everything they continue to do.”

“We’re so grateful to have this highway, on this road both of them traveled home every day.”

With her daughter by her side, she described her husband. “He was a family man, first and foremost, and he (loved) the firehall and the church,” she said. “He was so happy to contribute to the community. He was good, fun and hard working. He had a great sense of humor. I miss that.”