A longtime Palmerton firefighter with over four decades of service as a borough employee has opted to hang up both hats.

In recognition of the contributions of Joe Kercsmar, borough council on Thursday passed a pair of resolutions for his many years of dedicated service as a volunteer fireman, as well as his many years of faithful service as an employee of the borough.Kercsmar has served as a firefighter in the borough since 1968, when he joined as a junior firefighter.The resolution reads:"Joe's leadership and dedication to fire service was displayed, as he worked his way up the ranks as Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief in 2004."In addition to making himself available at all hours to protect the lives and property of this community, Joe completed many firefighting and emergency services courses, seminars, and training sessions, giving many hours of his time, energy, and talents."Now, therefore, be it resolved that upon his retirement as Fire Chief of the Palmerton Fire Department, that Joe be recognized and applauded for his years of commitment to the fire service, and especially to the safety and well-being of the residents of the Palmerton Borough and surrounding communities."As a borough employee, Kercsmar began his service on Aug. 19, 1970.The resolution reads, "He quickly pursued additional training, becoming a state licensed Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Oct. 1970.Joe served as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Chief Operator until he was appointed in Jan. 1987 by Borough Council to the Public Works Supervisor position, and served in that capacity until his retirement in Feb. 2014. Joe also served as a Fire Inspector, and still serves as Palmerton's Emergency Management Coordinator. He has served the borough faithfully for 43 1/2 years, responding to storms of rain, snow, and wind; always with the public's needs in mind."Kercsmar, who was accompanied by his wife, Joann, was clearly humbled by the accolades bestowed upon him by council."Thanks everybody, and thanks for all the help over the years," Kercsmar said.Council President Terry Costenbader told Kercsmar the borough truly appreciates all of the time he has given to the borough over the years.In a related matter, council approved a letter of resignation submitted by Kercsmar as emergency management coordinator, effective with the appointment of a new emergency management coordinator, as well as to advertise for his replacement.Also on Thursday, council agreed, on a 4-0 vote, with one abstention, to appoint utility works coordinator Barry Scherer to a newly-created supervisor position for the public works department, with a $1 an hour raise in salary.Scherer's salary will increase from $24.65 to $25.65 an hour.Councilmen Jason Behler, Richard Nothstein, and Kris Hoffner, along with Costenbader, approved the move, with an abstention from Councilwoman Holly Sell. Councilmen Jeremy Barbosa and Michael Ballard were absent.