The late Ronald Polischak served with the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company for more than 47 years.

And so, the earliest memories of his sons, Steven and Thomas Polischak, often involve their father and the department at 121 W. High St.

“We were always here,” Steven Polischak said. “Growing up, we’d be climbing all over the trucks. We’d go on firetruck rides during parades. And when you’d hear the fire alarm go off, Dad would leave and we knew someone needed help. It’s something we grew up to that we wanted to do.”

They did. Both started as junior firefighters when they turned 14.

And now, Steven is Coaldale’s chief and Thomas is the company’s captain.

It worked the same way for George Gilbert, whose father, Earl “Gilly” Gilbert, was firefighter and chief of the American Fire Co. in Lansford, and whose son, Zach Gilbert, learned to fight fires and serves as Lansford’s assistant chief.

Same for George “Smokey” Krajnak, whose dad, the late George “Sonny” Krajnak, was a longtime chief in Lansford.

Kevin Soberick followed in his father Jack’s footsteps, and now his son, Anthony Soberick, runs with both Coaldale and Lansford fire departments.

“We got brought up into it. You keep that family tradition and the tradition of the fire department going,” Kevin Soberick, Lansford’s assistant chief, said.

“And once it’s in your blood, it’s hard to get it out,” added Krajnak, a firefighter for Lansford. “It just doesn’t leave you.”

A declining profession

Unfortunately, the men who’ve followed in their fathers’ and grandfathers’ footsteps said the number of firefighters is far less than in the past. It’s a decline that’s been gradual but one that was realized as long as three decades ago when Coaldale, Lansford and Summit Hill fire companies began assisting each other on calls.

“We’ve made an impact on fire loss because of it,” Kevin Soberick said of the mutual aid agreement.

Daytime fires that happen in the Panther Valley typically bring about 10 firefighters from Coaldale, Lansford and Summit Hill.

“It hit us. We used to have people fighting over trying to get positions,” George Gilbert, who volunteers for both Coaldale and Lansford, said. “Now you’re lucky if you can fill them, which is sad.”

At the bare minimum, the department needs at least three to four firefighters to respond to a fire.

“But ideally, you need 25,” Steven Polischak said.

The local departments don’t have the manpower, and must radio others for assistance when tragedy strikes.

But having served in the volunteer roles, they can understand why some don’t want to get involved. The job isn’t easy, and it requires much time, training and dedication.

A reason to volunteer

What has kept them going are fellow volunteers, the opportunity to help the community and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Kevin Soberick admitted that the work can be challenging - but it’s also rewarding.

“Plus there is that sense of giving back,” he said.

Krajnak knows he’s assisting neighbors in need.

“Years ago, you knew everyone in town so you were helping people you know. Now you might not know everyone but it’s still in your blood to help,” Krajnak said.

Each of the men noted that it’s great to work together as a team. The Panther Valley departments are well trained and experienced, and firefighters know what to do without being told.

“You come out and you know the guys have the experience and they can do it. It’s really reassuring,” Kevin Soberick said.

Help is needed

While they’re good at what they do, the departments need new members.

Joining doesn’t mean you have to fight a fire, George Gilbert said. There are administrative tasks, fundraisers and more.

Among the greatest need is fundraising, Thomas Polischak said.

“Nine times out of 10, that’s how people get brought into it,” he said. “That’s how you start. As a kid you can’t be out fighting fires - but you can go to fundraisers. That’s how it starts - and it never stops. Ever.”

Without raising money, the departments wouldn’t have turnout gear, electricity - or even fuel for trucks.

“That’s why we have to do as much fundraising that we do. If we don’t, we can’t get out the door,” Thomas Polischak said.

Trucks and equipment are a different story - and can easily cost well over a half-million dollars.

“You can’t sell hot dogs and hamburgers and buy a truck,” George Gilbert said.

Both Lansford and Coaldale saw one of their busiest fire years in 2022, with more than 200 calls for each.

“In addition to doing 10 or 12,000 hours of fundraising, some of those weeks you’re going out three, four or five times on calls. That’s in addition to your full-time job,” Kevin Soberick said.

Coaldale recently began online raffles through its “Coaldale Fire Department Fundraising” page on Facebook. It features an ever-changing list of items.

The men know that the long hours and fundraisers aren’t exactly a selling point for prospective members.

But individuals can form friendships, feel rewarded from the work they’re doing, and learn from others.

“I wish there was some way to get the feeling of brotherhood out to people so they could join and see what’s going on,” Kevin Soberick said.

“It is a brotherhood. We all have our differences but once that alarm goes off, we have one thing to do: put that fire out,” George Gilbert added.

Applications for membership are available from the fire companies and members.