On Saturday, April 30th, the members of the Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department gathered to celebrate 60 years of service to the community. We were joined by several of our mutual aide departments as well as several state and local officials. The day started with the housing of 4 new pieces of apparatus: Engine 591, Rescue 59, Utility 59 and Boat 59. The ceremony included words of congratulations and encouragement from several elected officials, a blessing for each piece of apparatus, and the traditional "pushing" of the apparatus in and out of the bay 3 times; one for god, one for country, and one for the fire service. We would like to thank all of our mutual aide departments who assisted in the ceremony:
-Middletown Volunteer Fire Department
-Londonderry Volunteer Fire Company
-Chambers Hill Volunteer Fire Company
-Swatara Township Volunteer Fire Company
-Lawnton Volunteer Fire Company

Additionally, we would like to especially thank all of our state and local elected officials who came to celebrate this occasion with us.
-Hon. Lou Barletta – Congressman, 11th District
-Hon. Mike Fulmer – Senator, 48th District
-Hon. John Payne – Representative, 106th District
-Hon. Jeff Haste – Commissioner, Dauphin County
-Hon. Mike Pries – Commissioner, Dauphin County
-Hon. George P. Hartwick, III – Commissioner, Dauphin County

Dauphin County Gaming Board:
James Szymborski – Dauphin County at Large
Larry Cooney – Middle Paxton Twp
David Craig – East Hanover Twp
Matthew Tunnell – Derry Twp
Keith Umberger – South Hanover Twp

-Hon. Thomas L. Mehaffie, III – President, Lower Swatara Twp. Board of Commissioners
-Hon. Jon G. Wilt – Vice President, Lower Swatara Twp. Board of Commissioners
-Hon. Michael J. Davies – Commissioner, Lower Swatara Twp.
-Hon. Laddie Springer – Commissioner, Lower Swatara Twp.
-Hon. Todd F. Truntz – Commissioner, Lower Swatara Twp.
-Ms. Anne Shambaugh – Township Manager, Lower Swatara Twp.

Without your continued support we would not be able to provide the service that we do.

Later in the evening, the members gathered to celebrate the last 60 years with one another at the annual appreciation banquet. Generations of members from the past 60 years gathered and shared stories from each of their time in the department while sharing food and drink provided by Moose's LZ and Breski Beverage. We were honored to be joined by Chief Timothy Shatto of the West Hanover Volunteer Fire Company. Chief Shatto was the evening's guest speaker who provided truly inspirational words for those gathered. Following dinner and remarks, awards and presentations were made. A special presentation was made to William Smith, a founding member and first Fire Chief of the Department. Additional awards given are as follows:
-Commissioner’s Award – Dale Rider
-Chief’s Award – Sean Taylor
-Firefighter of the Year – John Weikle
-Rookie of the Year – Sandy Warren
-President’s Award – William Leonard
The evening concluded with music and dancing provided by the Corn Wallace Band.

Finally, we would like to thank the Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, the Lawnton Volunteer Fire Company, and the Citizens Volunteer Fire Company of Palmyra for providing stand-by coverage for both the day and night, allowing our members to enjoy the celebration.

The Department is proud to have served the community for the past 60 years and look forward to serving for many more!