This year marks the 70th anniversary of St. Stephen Fire & Rescue. Retired and active firefighters, spouses and family members gathered in the Parish Hall on April 6 , the site of the reason the fire department exists. St. Stephen Fire & Rescue was started in 1949 after the church Parish Hall caught fire and was destroyed in 1948.
During the gathering, Peter Schumer, a third-generation firefighter received his badge. Before the evening closed, Peter posed with the last living charter member of the fire department, Ben Supan, 92.
Retired Firefighter Aaron Rudolph was honored for his 21 years of service. Retired firefighter Rodger Bellinger was honored for his 20 years of service.
Firefighter Joe Gordon received a Life Saving Award for his direct response to a call on Feb. 26. Gordon performed CPR and the patient began breathing again.
contributed photo Firefighter Joe Gordon (right) received a Life Saving Award for his direct response to a call on Feb. 26. Gordon performed CPR and the patient began breathing again. Gordon received his award from Mayor and Assistant Chief II Jeff Blenkush.contributed photo Peter Schumer, third-generation firefighter, received his badge with the last charter member of the fire department, Ben Supan, 92.
