SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A local volunteer fire company is marking a major milestone.
Cetronia Volunteer Fire Company will hold an open house from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The event will feature bounce houses, yard games and a live band in the social hall.
Visitors also will be able to learn about volunteer opportunities at the fire company.
"To stay 100 years at 100 percent volunteer…. I think it's a rare occurrence in today's age.”
Cetronia Fire Company Chief Ricardo Diaz
Fire company Chief Ricardo Diaz said many fire companies are struggling to find volunteers. Some municipalities instead are using combination departments, with part-time staff and volunteers.
“To stay 100 years at 100 percent volunteer…. I think it's a rare occurrence in today's age,” Diaz said.
Diaz was appointed chief in June 2023. He said he has worked on both recruiting and retaining members.
“I think there's a slight uptick in membership," Diaz said. "Not as high as I want it to be, but it's baby steps."
Saturday’s event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. with remarks from Cedar Church Pastor Candi Cain-Borgman, Diaz and a trustee of the fire company.