VIDEO: It was an evening to honor those who answer the call on Thursday in Bethlehem.
Several fire departments from northeastern Pennsylvania were honored in Bethlehem at the annual Spirit of Courage Awards.
“Really, makes it all worthwhile,” says Chief Rich Chowanec, Dickson City Fire Department.
The Dickson City Fire Department was one of the departments honored at the annual awards.
The department accepted a chairman’s award for its efforts responding to a raging fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City in February, when crews were forced to evacuate the building and guide more than 70 patients to safety.
“That was a career-defining fire, and just to receive the thank-you and the accolades, it’s a nice thing,” says Chowanec. “Lets the guys know that what we do is appreciated.”
Lehighton Fire Department was also recognized, along with Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, which were both called to a deadly fire in September of 2025 in which five people, including four children, passed away.
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