The Hero Next Door

Fire Police Take Heat for Managing Traffic Around Emergencies

Colleen Kelly says there are some drivers at accident scenes who really scare her: the ones taking pictures.

Name:  Colleen Kelly Age:  49 Hometown:  Lower Macungie Township Family:  She has been married to Bill for 21 years, and they have two sons, Burke and Blake. Occupation:  Colleen works part time at the Lower Macungie Recycling Center. Fire Company:  Lower Macungie Fire Department  Describe your job with the fire company.  “I have been with the Lower Macungie Fire Police for six years and am the second lieutenant and secretary.  I am also a ‘go-fer’ and pretty much will do anything that is needed.” Have you ever been afraid while on a call, and of what?  “When we are out on a call directing traffic, most of the people are pretty nice. But then there are those who just need to learn to understand our job. Sometimes we must close the area and…

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Volunteer Logs 14 Years of 'Civic Duty' With Fire Police

John Bergstresser volunteers with the Lower Macungie Fire Department as a fire policeman and folks who say 'thank you' keep him going

Debbie DePue Helps Keep Macungie Park Running

She loves that the park is run by community volunteers.

Dale Frizzell Coodinates Emergency Management for LMT

Frizzell also has been a Lower Macungie firefighter for 17 years.

The Hero Next Door

Alburtis Couple Scouts for Fun, Adventure

Steven and Linda Mehl have received awards for their dedication to the Boy Scouts of America.

Name:  Steven and Linda Mehl  Home:  Alburtis Family:  They have been married 43 years and have two children—Laura and R.J., both of whom live in Georgia.  They also have two granddaughters who are 5 and 7 years old. Occupation:  Steven is retired after serving 20 years in the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired with the rank of CW3. He also worked at the Blommer Chocolate Co. in East Greenville for 11 years. Name of organization:  Alburtis Boy Scout Troop 86 Describe what you do.  “I was a scoutmaster for several troops in Georgia during the 1970s,” said Steven. “I have been the scoutmaster of Troop 86 for one year. Previously, I served on the troop committee for a year.” Why and how long have you volunteered?  “I have been involved in …

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The Hero Next Door

LMFD's Jim Wagner Jumps When That Alarm Goes Off

Wagner been a township firefighter for 44 years.

Name:  Jim Wagner Age:  70 Hometown:  Lower Macungie Township Family:  Jim and his wife, Donna, have been married for 46 years.  They have a daughter, Nicole and a 14-month-old grandson, Mason. Occupation:  “I am retired after working 41 years at Mack Trucks. I now work part-time at the Lower Macungie Township recycling center so I can pay for my golf balls!” Fire Company:  He has been with Lower Macungie Fire Department since 1968 — that's 44 years. Training:  “When I started here, there was no training. You were given boots, a hat and a coat and just showed up at calls. You learned as you went. But now it’s different. Training is a must. There’s so much more to know than fighting a fire.” Describe your job with the fire company.  “Over …

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The Hero Next Door

Bob Benner is a 'Professional Volunteer'

He puts in countless hours throughout the community to help others.

Name:  Bob Benner Age:  69 Family and home:  He has two daughters—one is a doctor at Lehigh Valley Hospital and the other owns a jewelry store. He lives in Upper Milford. Occupation:  “I am retired. I have worked as a stonemason, military police while in the army, executive security at Bethlehem Steel, a hotel manager and a jeweler. For the past 14 years I have been a professional volunteer.” Name of organizations:  “I volunteer at Macungie Memorial Park, Old Zionsville UCC, Allentown Fairgrounds, Trinity soup kitchen in Bethlehem, St. Andrews Church in Allentown and I help some of my neighbors.” Describe what you do:  “At the UCC, I cook for their fall and spring dinners. I am a gate supervisor at the fairgrounds and at the soup kitchen I…

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The Hero Next Door

For 52 Years Ferne Druckenmiller has Traveled the World Mentoring Macungie Girl Scouts

And she's still going strong.

Name:  Ferne Druckenmiller Age:  81 Family:  Ferne and her husband, Kent, have been married for 64 years.  They fostered 13 children and adopted four — two boys and two girls. The couple now delights in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well. Hometown:  They have owned 30 acres of property in Macungie since 1956 where the children and grandchildren still come for all the holidays.  “The house gets very full and busy when everyone is here,” she said. Name of organization:  Girl Scout Troop 6413, for girls ages 6 through 8, which meets at Grace Lutheran Church. Describe what you do.  “We learn lots of things at meetings, go camping and work on various badges. One of the things I like to do with the girls is to take them …

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The Hero Next Door

Lower Mac’s Ben Galiardo: Man of Many Hats

He has been involved in emergency services for 55 years.

Name:  Ben Galiardo Age:  70 Hometown:  He has been a resident of Lower Macungie Township for 42 years. Family:  Ben is married to Paulette for 42 years.  They have a son, daughter and three grandchildren. Occupation:  “I do many things for Lower Macungie Township:  fire inspector, assistant zoning officer, deputy emergency management coordinator, and the liaison between the township and the fire department and ambulance corps.” Fire Company:  Lower Macungie Fire Department Describe your job with the fire company.  “I have been with the department for 35 years and emergency services for 55 years.  In 1998, the name was changed from Wescosville Fire Department to Lower Macungie Fire Department and I was the first fire chief under the new …

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Ron Beitler

8:34 am on Friday, January 4, 2013

The man wears about a half dozen hats! He's the utility knife of the township! Really appreciated Ben working with the residents of Spring Creek Rd who were seeking the flood assistance. He goes above and beyond all the time.   more ›

The Hero Next Door

Lower Mac FD's Sean Powers Trained in New York

He is re-training in Pennsylvania.

Name:  Sean Powers Age:  42 Hometown:  Lower Macungie Township Family:  He has been married to Kimberly for seven years. They have four children — two boys and two girls. Occupation: Sean is an energy analyst for Linde Energy Services. Fire Company:  Lower Macungie Fire Department Training:  “I received most of my training in New York, where I volunteered for two fire departments over a 17-year period. I am now updating to Pennsylvania standards.” Describe your job with the fire company.  “I am a firefighter.” Why did you choose to become a firefighter?  “My friends in New York were involved in firefighting and they got me involved.” How do your loved ones feel about you putting your life in danger?  “My wife can’t say much.  She is also a…

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