Muncy Township firefighter honored as department celebrates 75 years
On a day that the Muncy Township Volunteer Fire Co. celebrated 75 years of serving residents with its emergency service, it was only fitting that it mark the occasion with saluting one of its charter members.
Austin Artley, 94, stood before fellow firefighters and supporters of the department to accept the plaudits of the community.
He was a member of the department in 1949 when firefighters were often ill-equipped to respond to the barn and house blazes that occurred.
“We didn’t do it for the glory,” he said.
Artley served many roles in the department, including captain, president, vice president, and treasurer.
Perhaps his most important role was that of mentor.
“Austin was one of those guys your learned from,” longtime Muncy Township firefighter Butch Dauberman said.
Artley was presented with a clock and an official citation from state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township.
“Seventy-five years is a long time,” Hamm said. “I’m humbled to be able to recognize a charter member.”
Artley’s sons, Dennis and Keith, who were in attendance, each briefly spoke.
Firefighters acknowledged the time and sacrifices by department members and the businesses and other supporters who help keep the fire company in existence.
“How many lives can a single firefighter touch?” asked Township Fire President Nick Palmatier.
Dauberman noted that the past it what built the department, but what will happen today in the future will determine its fate.
He noted the difficulty in recruiting young volunteers for firefighting.
Many people simply can’t find the time between work and meeting the increasing demands of fire training.
Corey Palmatier said the department has always pulled together to get things done.
He noted the valuable contributions of the ladies auxiliary. As a longtime auxiliary member, Cathy Dauberman said it was always about how the firefighters can be helped.
“The act of volunteerism is transformative,” he said.
And, she said, it brings a sense of community.
Lycoming County Public Safety Department Director Jeff Hutchins noted that the township department is a viable part of the community given the many fire and ambulance calls it responds to.
“We’re fortunate to still have this company,” he said.
The audience took a moment of silence to honor past deceased members of the fire department.