Saturday was truly a memorable day for the members of the Lafayette Fire Company, as we had the opportunity to celebrate both our rich history and the traditions that continue to make the fire service special.
Earlier in the day, members traveled to the annual convention meeting of the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association, where one of our own was recognized for a lifetime of service.
We are proud to announce that Chief Emeritus Howard Hershey was presented with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his incredible 57 years of dedicated service to the Lafayette Fire Company.
For more than five decades, Howard has been a leader, mentor, and friend to generations of firefighters. His commitment to this organization extends far beyond the title of Chief Emeritus. Today, he continues to serve as our Chief Engineer, helps maintain our building and grounds, and can often be found behind the wheel of our apparatus during daytime hours when staffing is limited. His dedication, work ethic, and willingness to serve remain an inspiration to all of us.
Howard’s impact on Lafayette cannot be measured simply in years. His influence can be seen in the members he has mentored, the traditions he has helped preserve, and the countless calls he has answered in service to our community. We were honored to celebrate this remarkable achievement alongside his family and friends and to witness such a well-deserved recognition for a man who has given so much to our company and the fire service.
Following the convention, several members traveled to Columbia to participate in the firefighter’s parade celebrating the town’s 300th Anniversary. Members proudly took our 1978 Mack CF pumper through the streets of Columbia, continuing a tradition that many longtime firefighters remember fondly from the days when the annual LCFA Convention and Parade traveled throughout Lancaster County.
Events like this are exactly why we have worked so hard to preserve our beloved Mack. In the days leading up to the parade, members dedicated their time to preparing the apparatus so it could once again proudly represent Lafayette and our community.
The parade was especially meaningful for the Fassnacht family. Riding aboard the Mack were Deputy Chief Brett Fassnacht, Firefighter Alec Fassnacht, and Alec’s son, Jace Fassnacht, marking the third generation of Fassnachts to ride the apparatus together.
For Brett and Alec, the moment carried even deeper significance. Their father, Jan Fassnacht, was an active member of the Lafayette Fire Company until his passing in 1995. The very same Mack that carried these generations of the family through Columbia’s streets also served as the apparatus that carried Jan during his funeral procession more than 30 years ago. It was a touching reminder of the deep connections that exist within the fire service and the traditions that bind generations together.
The weather was perfect, the crowds were enthusiastic, and the turnout of fire apparatus from across the region was truly impressive. We extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to the members of the Columbia Borough Fire Department for organizing an outstanding event and celebrating such an important milestone in their community’s history.
Days like these remind us that the fire service is about more than responding to emergencies. It is about honoring those who came before us, preserving our traditions, celebrating our history, and strengthening the bonds of fellowship and brotherhood that make our fire service family so special.
Congratulations again to Howard Hershey on an incredible and well-deserved honor, and thank you to everyone who helped make this day one to remember.
