Carbon County forest firefighters were lauded at the annual dinner of District 18, Carbon-Upper Lehigh Division, of the Department of Forestry, held at the Trachsville Fire Co.

W. Righter Reabold of Jim Thorpe, fire inspector, received the top award for his 45 years of service to the department.

Others who received awards were Reuben Hill, Lehighton, R.3, 35 years; Culver Reabold, Summit Hill, 30 years; and John Anspach, Bethlehem, and Roger Holtzer, Lehighton R.3, 10 years each.

The department also presented pins to employees for their years of service, including: Richard DeHaven, Mahoning Valley, five years; James Shaffer, Lehighton, 10 years, and Eleanor Steidle, Jim Thorpe, 30 years.