A beloved Bowmanstown volunteer firefighter who lost his heroic battle with cancer was honored in his hometown for his life of service in his community and beyond.

Local emergency services held a parade Monday night in Bowmanstown to show their support for Dan Koch, who died Saturday in his home after a year-and-a-half battle with colon cancer.

Koch, 43, was a member of the Lehighton Ambulance Association, and a volunteer firefighter with the Bowmanstown Fire Department.

The parade

The parade began on Riverview Road in East Penn Township and came up Bank Street in Bowmanstown, made a left onto White Street, a right onto Forge Street, a right onto Ore Street, and came back down Mill Street.

Leeann Koch, Dan’s sister, said the parade consisted of over 44 vehicles, including nearly every fire company and EMS crew from Carbon County, as well as Tamaqua EMS. A LifeFlight helicopter flew overheard and took pictures of the line of trucks.

She said a truck from the Bowmanstown Fire Department led the parade and pulled up to the house.

“We had Danny’s gear, they placed Danny’s gear on front of the truck, they took it around, and when they got back to intersection, they hung up the gear, passed by the home,” Leeann said.

“The original intent for the parade was for Danny to be there,” she said. “After he passed on Saturday night, on Sunday we had discussion of whether we wanted to go forward with it or not, and it was pretty unanimous.”

Leeann said the outpouring of love and support shown for her brother was unbelievable.

“The turnout was incredible,” she said. “All the red lights from the firetrucks that were surrounding the family, it literally looked like we were surrounded by love.”

Leeann said it was something she and her family will never forget.

“It was an overwhelming experience. It really brings comfort to us to know how many people Danny’s life affected,” she said. “Knowing how much people love him really has been a comfort for sure.”

“The display of brotherhood among the emergency services and first responders, there’s nothing like it.

Community reacts

Leeann said her brother always strived to serve the community.

“Danny started as a junior firefighter when he was 16 in Bowmanstown,” she said. “He loved to do that with his dad, Bruce.”

Dan was very involved in the fire company, at one point serving as lieutenant, as well as bar steward.

“He was very active in fundraising for the fire company,” she said. “He was very much into serving his community.”

Bowmanstown Fire Chief Michael Spairana Jr. said Koch served the department in various ways.

“He was a dedicated and beloved firefighter of ours. He’s part of the family,” Spairana said. “The man wore a lot of hats.”

Spairana said Koch’s loss is a huge blow to the fire company.

“He will sorely be missed,” he said. “I can’t begin to tell you how traumatic this whole experience has been.”

Dan started as an EMT in Palmerton, and later for Lehighton Ambulance Association.

“He was very community-service oriented. He loved helping people,” Leeann said. “His loss is felt everywhere.”

Lehighton Ambulance Association remembered Koch with a post on its Facebook page Sunday morning.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of one of our family members, Daniel Koch. Dan has been with LAA for many years providing for the communities of Carbon County as an EMT.

“He was a mentor to some, a hero to many, and above all else, he was family to us all. As we all grieve during this very difficult time, please keep Daniel, his family and his friends in your thoughts. Rest easy.”

Family man

Leeann said her brother was always a big family man.

“He loved spending time with his family,” she said. “He had tons of friends. He really had a way of making every one of his friends feel part of his family. He literally had a way of making everyone feel special to him.”

Leeann added, “Basically he knew everybody, (and) everybody knew him.”

In addition to his sister, Koch is survived by his father, Bruce Koch; mother, Darlene Dorward; brother Brian Koch, and his fiance, Stephanie Bongo.

“He had the best sense of humor. He could make you laugh, even if you didn’t want to,” Leeann said. “He was always smiling, he was always happy.”