The Diligent Fire Company #3 in Jim Thorpe is set to commemorate its 150th anniversary during a celebration Saturday at noon.

Held at the firehouse at 330 Center Ave., the event will feature the dedication of a new KME tanker as well as food, refreshments, and music courtesy of DJ Dave Gasker.

Jim Thorpe Borough Council on Thursday night issued a proclamation honoring the Diligent’s 150 years serving the town.

“It’s quite an accomplishment and it says a lot about the people past and present who have dedicated an enormous amount of time to get that station built in the Heights section of the borough and then respond to all the calls over the years,” Council President Greg Strubinger said. “Volunteerism is not what it once was so we have been very fortunate to have the people we have had at the Dillies. We wouldn’t be the community we are without them.”

The Diligent Fire Company was incorporated on Nov. 11, 1874. At that time, the fire company housed its equipment in a barn located near the old Mauch Chunk grade school. In 1930, the fire company donated the land to the school district and the current fire station was constructed on Center Avenue.

“Since the inception of the fire company, its equipment has included a steamer engine purchased in 1910, a chemical pumper that was placed on a 1932 Ford chassis, a 1953 Ford American LaFrance engine, a 1977 Mack engine, a 2022 KME tanker pumper, a Ford brush truck, and a utility vehicle with tank and pump,” the proclamation stated.

The Diligent also started the county’s first ambulance service in 1926.

“Everyone who has served with the Dillies deserves a great amount of respect,” Strubinger said. “It’s a lot of time spent away from family.”

Commissioners’ Chairman Michael Sofranko, on Thursday, urged the public to join the fire company in its celebration at noon to hear the history of the department, as well as these firefighters.

Commissioner Wayne Nothstein said that volunteer firefighters like the ones being recognized show that they are dedicated to their communities.

“Come out and support these volunteers at any of their functions,” he said, noting that these volunteers not only respond to emergencies, they fundraise, train and support their communities in various ways.

Chief reflects on service

Vince Yaich Sr., current Jim Thorpe Municipal Fire Chief, is one of the Diligent’s longtime members having served 50 years.

“Being part of this 150-year legacy is an honor,” Yaich Sr. said. “It’s hard to believe 50 years have gone by already. There’s a lot more to this than just fighting fires; it’s about community, sacrifice, and dedication. People need to realize the sacrifices involved — missing family gatherings, even my children’s games because of calls.”

Throughout his tenure, Yaich Sr. has witnessed significant changes, notably in equipment and volunteerism.

“When I first started, we had substandard equipment but an unbelievable amount of manpower,” he said. “Today, we have state-of-the-art equipment but face challenges with volunteer numbers. When I started, we had guys across the back of the trucks, and now, sometimes you can’t fill a six-man cab.”

Recalling memorable incidents, Yaich Sr. emphasized the emotional toll of responding to calls involving people he knew.

“The loss of life is always difficult, but it’s even harder when it’s someone you know personally,” he said.

He also expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments, particularly in acquiring new equipment without burdening the borough financially.

“We’ve purchased several engines and a tanker through the company’s efforts, with no cost to the borough,” he said.

Looking ahead, Yaich Sr. voiced concerns about the future of volunteerism.

“I feel for the young guys coming in. If they don’t get more volunteers to help them, it’s really going to put a strain on them. Back in our day, you didn’t volunteer; you were voluntold. Now, it’s challenging to get people to volunteer.”

Longtime members

Carbon County Commissioners honored several longtime Diligent members with resolutions at the board’s weekly meeting. These resolutions will be presented during the events on Saturday.

Among them was Bruce Solomon, who joined the fire company in 1969. Solomon held several positions during his tenure, serving as captain, lieutenant and as chief engineer at the time of his passing in 2014.

Francis V. Lukasevich has volunteered with the Dillies for the past 52 years. He was a member of the original 1973 Out-of-State Forest Fire Crew for more than 50 years and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forest Fire Warden for 36 years.

Lukasevich often speaks at fire programs held in local schools.

Ken McArdle is a 50-year fire company member who began his service at the Phoenix Hose Company #2 in 1974 and then joined the Diligent in 1977. He held several positions during his tenure with the Diligent, including assistant chief and past manager of the social club. McArdle was responsible for organizing the annual children’s Christmas party and Easter egg hunt events for many years.

Since 1970, Thomas G. Lager has volunteered with the Diligent, where his service included teaching first aid.

Vince Yaich Sr., who currently serves as chief of the Jim Thorpe Municipal Fire Department, began his service at the age of 16 when he joined the Jim Thorpe Phoenix Hose Company #2 in 1974. He then joined the Diligent in 1976 at age 18. Yaich has held several positions during his tenure with the Diligent, including captain and first lieutenant, in addition to serving on the ambulance crew. He also served as a committee member to purchase the company’s 1977 Mack fire engine.

William Diehm has served 55 years with the Diligent. Diehm has held several positions including assistant chief and chief of the Jim Thorpe Fire Department. He presently serves as deputy chief of the Jim Thorpe Municipal Fire Department. Diehm is also the annual fund drive chairman for Jim Thorpe Fire Department.

William Sheehan began his fire service at the age of 16, when he joined the Jim Thorpe Phoenix Hose Company #2 in 1974. He then joined the Diligent in 1976 at age 18. His positions included lieutenant, captain, and president for seven years. He served as a committee member to purchase the 1977 Mack fire engine.

Amy Miller contributed to this report