The Northampton Fire Department held its annual awards banquet at the Northampton Memorial Community Center to pay tribute to the volunteer firefighters and fire police.

The ceremony recognized Fire Chief Robert Solderich for his three decades as a firefighter and a diver with its water rescue unit.

When Solderich accepted his pin for 30 years of service, he made a surprise announcement.

"It's going to be my last year as chief, I'm retiring," he said.

He will retire at the end of 2015.

Solderich said he has been at the helm of the fire department "for over ten years."

According to Solderich, the fire department made more progress in recent years than it did in the past 100 years.

Some achievements include a new aerial fire truck, an addition to the Central Fire Station and a water rescue unit.

"Our fire police is the best. We never had a loss of life and two houses burned down," he said about his tenure as chief.

Solderich said mutual aid cooperation with area fire departments is better than ever.

John Pedersen, master of ceremonies, recognized a large number of firefighters and fire police who were awarded pins for their service from one year to decades. Those recognized include David Fisher, 25 years; Keith Beil, 53 years; Edward Uherick, 60 years; Robert Baer, 27 years; Brian Saylor, 28 years; Dave Beil, 29 years; Peter Zarayko, 29 years; Louis Smith, 31 years; Robert Smith, 31 years; Joseph David, 32 years; Michael Brotzman, 32 years; Frank Csencsits, 33 years; Mike Dreisbach, 33 years; Eugene Zarayko, 37 years; Greg Morey, 37 years; Reynold Morey, 54 years; Frank Paukovits, 42 years; and Keith Piescienski, 47 years.