Borough of Alburtis

Alburtis FD Uprgrades Brush Truck with DIY Artistry

They do a lot of the work themselves and take advantage of a surplus truck and grants to save at least $30,000, chief says.

Alburtis Fire Department has in effect swapped a 1979 brush truck for a scratch-free 2001 model—all at no cost. The favorable trade was made possible by a bit of wisdom, grants, generous donors and sweat equity on the part of the volunteers. The "new" truck has been in service for a few weeks, but it is only within the last week in which the final striping and lettering were done to put the bow on the present. Firefighters began by looking to replace their 1979 Dodge Powerwagon brush truck. The department received a free 2001 Ford F250 pickup truck from surplus through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Members worked to perform maintenance to improve it running condition. They also switched over the pump, tank and…

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Borough of Alburtis

Don't Toss That Alburtis Fire Dept. Fund Drive Letter

Annual contribution campaign is a key source to support firefighting and rescue efforts, fire officials say.

The annual fund drive for the Alburtis Fire Department is under way. Letters have been mailed for this year's appeal to those served by the borough fire department. The volunteer fire department relies heavily upon revenues from this annual appeal. All money collected goes directly toward firefighting operations, including purchasing apparatus, equipment, vehicle and building maintenance, insurance and training, according to fire officials. Donations may be sent to the Alburtis Fire Company #1, P.O. Box 904, Alburtis, PA 18011. Those who might have been missed but wish to donate should send donations to the same address. Firefighters also ask everyone who received an appeal to check the listed address and advise them of errors. They also …

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Borough of Alburtis

Alburtis Says Good-bye to Mayor Robert Mader

Family, friends, colleagues pay respects to a pillar of the community.

A vibrant assortment of people came together to give their last respects to Alburtis Mayor Robert Mader.  Mader was active in the Alburtis community and was the former Chief of the Alburtis Fire Department and current member and Captain of the Alburtis Fire Company Fire Police. His visitation ceremony was held the evening of November 7th at the Alburtis Firehouse, and his funeral service was held the morning of November 8th at the Church of the Good Shepard in Alburtis.  His casket was carried through Alburtis one last time via a procession of firetrucks, before finally being interred at Lehigh Zion Cemetery.  At the interment ceremony a 21-gun salute was fired and one final commemorative call was made through the fire company's radio in …

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Obituary

Obituary: Robert W. Mader, 77, Mayor of Alburtis

Robert W. Mader, 77, of Alburtis, died Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

Robert W. Mader, 77, of Alburtis, died suddenly, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in his home. He was the husband of Shirley F. (Blank) Mader. They were married Oct. 13, 1973. Born in Ridgewood, NJ, he was a son of the late Robert W., Sr., and Elizabeth (Grace) Mader. He was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ Church, Alburtis, where he was a past consistory member. He was U.S. Army veteran. He graduated from Union Springs Central School, Union Springs, NY, in 1953. A fourth generation volunteer fireman, Mader was a member since 1973 and former Chief of the Alburtis Fire Department. He last served as chief in 2005. He was also a member and currently the Captain of Alburtis Fire Company Fire Police. Bob was serving the …

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Borough of Alburtis

Alburtis Fire Department Observes Fire Prevention Week

At its open house on Oct. 6, 2012, the Alburtis Fire Department presented several demonstrations.

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the Alburtis Fire Department presented several demonstrations. This one illustrates the right way -- and the wrong way -- to put out a kitchen or grease fire.

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5 Ways to Prevent a Fire in Your Home

October is National Fire Safety and Prevention Month. Talk to your family about how to prevent a devastating fire in your own home.

Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week, which was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed 250 people and left more than 10,000 people homeless. In fact, the entire month of October is dedicated to National Fire Safety and Prevention, which is a perfect opportunity to talk to your family about fire safety. In the Lower Macungie Patch area, fire companies have planned activities. Among them: *The Alburtis Fire Department hold an Open House 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the fire department. * The Lower Macungie Fire Department will hold its annual Open House 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Brandywine Station. Everyone knows the stop, drop, and roll, but there are many other ways to prevent a …

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The Hero Next Door

Former Alburtis Chief Paul Siegfried has Firefighting in His Blood

Though retired, he still helps at the fire company where ever he is needed.

Name:  Paul Siegfried Age:  79 Hometown:  “I live in Alburtis — all my life.  I was born here.” Family:  Paul and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 53 years.          Occupation:  For the past 24 years, he has worked at Lutron Electronics “doing whatever needs to be done.”   He retired in 1997 as a full-time employee, but continues to work part-time. Fire Department:  Paul retired in 2007 after 55 years from the Alburtis Fire Department. Training:  “When I joined the department, there was no training.  I was handed a pair of boots, a coat and helmet and told to just follow directions.  We even rode on the back of the trucks at that time.  Later, I went to Williamsport Fire College every year for training.  It’s different today than …

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Borough of Alburtis

Alburtis Park to Re-open in 2013

Break-up between the owner and operator left the park's future in doubt, but fire company officials say there will be a next season.

Despite hitting a sour note earlier this week, Alburtis Fire Company officials have announced that the show will go on after all at Alburtis Park. It will just take a while to do so. What has stayed the same?: The park is closed for the rest of this season despite scheduled dates through Oct. 28. What has changed or been clarified?: This is not the end of Alburtis Park, which has operated since 1925. The fire company has announced that it will re-open in 2013. What remains confusing?: Who will operate the park? Will it have a similar format with live country music and primarily food and bingo? Park operations were thrown into chaos on Sept. 12 when the fire company, the social arm of the Alburtis Fire Department, filed a landlord-tenant …

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Borough of Alburtis

Alburtis Park Closes Abruptly

Park suddenly shuts down for season, leaving future of 87-year tradition in question.

Less than a month ago, contestants were stuffing their faces in a hot-dog eating contest, patrons were tapping their feet to country music and a few couples even twirled on the dance floor. The sun shone on Alburtis Park Aug. 19 and operator Jack Stull proclaimed there would be a 2013 park season. But on Sept. 12, Stull stormed out of a meeting with Alburtis Fire Department officials and said he would no longer run the park. This despite musical bookings on weekends through Oct. 28. Despite the famed adage, the show won't go on. The park's website proclaims in red letters that as of Sept. 13, the park is closed. It thanks its patrons, but there is no explanation. For its part, officers of the fire company social quarters -- which owns the …

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