The ability to stand for hours in the rain, snow, high winds, and dangerous storms while directing traffic around emergency scenes is a task for a special  

Pennsburg Fire Chief Scott Seip (right) thanked his father, Fire Police Captain Larry Seip, for inspiring him to join the fire company as a junior firefighter at a young age.

person.  One who is highly dedicated and motivated to performing that much-needed service to protect the scene of an emergency, direct drivers safely around it, and keep onlookers at a safe distance.

            Every now and again that duty must be performed under a level of bile and anger from drivers who feel that they absolutely must travel through the emergency scene, no matter what dangers that presents to themselves and others.

            To handle all that is the responsibility of dedicated, volunteer fire police that serve the people of our communities.  To do so for a few years is something to be proud of.  To do so for half-a-century is nothing short of a herculean effort – worthy

State Senator Bob Mensch presents Pennsburg Fire Police Captain with a Senate Proclamation honoring Seip's 50 years of service to the community.

of recognition and a boatload of thanks.

            On Sunday, the volunteers of the Pennsburg Fire Company gathered to honor their Fire Police Captain Larry Seip for 50 years of service to their organization, but more importantly, to the people of the community.

            The volunteers gathered along with Seip's family, friends, fellow volunteers from neighboring emergency services groups, and representatives from state and local governments to say a loud, collective "Thanks for your service."

            The surprise event was organized with a little misdirection by Seip's son and Pennsburg Fire Chief Scott Seip.  A couple of weeks ago, Larry Seip was honored by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Police Association and the Pennsylvania Fire Police Association for 50 years of service.  Scott told Larry to put on his uniform so they could be at the firehouse Sunday afternoon for a photo session with representatives of the groups.

            Once he arrived at the firehouse, Larry Seip found the Pennsburg volunteers lined-up to honor their Fire Police Captain.

            After going through the line and shaking hands with the group, the honoree took his place at the head of assembly.

            State Senator Bob Mensch presented Larry with a Senate Proclamation recognizing his long-time volunteer service.  Pennsburg Fire Company President Justin Gloria read a State House Proclamation sent by State Representative Justin Simmons.

            Pennsburg Mayor Vicki Lightcap and Mike Wetzel, representing the Upper Hanover Township Supervisors, presented Larry with proclamations from their respective municipalities honoring and thanking the Fire Police Captain for his service.

            Capping off the event were words shared by Company President Justin Gloria, acknowledging the company's gratitude to their Fire Police Captain. 

            But, the words of Pennsburg Fire Chief Scott Seip struck an emotional chord when he thanked his father for inspiring him to enter into the volunteer fire service as a junior firefighter so many years ago.

            Dedication and inspiration are what make the volunteers of small communities, like ours, very special.

Fellow volunteers from the Pennsburg Fire Company line up with Fire Police Captain Larry Seip (seated, far right) at Sunday's event marking his 50 years of service.