Whitehall Township Fire Chief Bob Benner, heralded for being on the front lines of countless fires, was recognized Saturday for the role he has played in the township.

The Whitehall Township Fire Department, consisting of five stations and well over a hundred volunteer firefighters, held an open house for the public at its training facility off Water Street, next to the Fairview Cemetery, during which the training building was officially named the Robert L. Benner Fire Training Facility.

Benner, who just moments before the announcement was busy at the grill readying hot dogs, was stunned by the dedication.

"I couldn't do anything without you [firefighters]," Benner said. "The praise goes to you guys."

Approaching 50 years with the township fire department, Benner spent the first 10 years as a firefighter, then a decade as the township fire marshal and the last 29 years as fire chief. Retirement has never been mentioned.

The fire training facility dates back to 1987 when a two-story structure was built. Later, a third story was added, and then another structure was built.

"This is a special day in the history of Whitehall. We want to show our sincere appreciation for all he taught us," said Keith Bilder, president of the Whitehall Township Active Firefighters Association.

Bilder said many firefighters, some much younger than the chief, have trouble catching up to Benner.

Dan Spiff, a coordinator of the event, noted Benner has devoted his whole life to the township, which now enjoys an enviable fire safety record because of Benner's many contributions.

Honesty, integrity and a commitment to the township were words Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said in describing Benner, referring to him as "Bobby."

"My favorite bureau chief," Hozza said of Benner.

Others said MacArthur Road should be named after Benner for the numerous times he has traveled it to reach a fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Francis Bilder, Hokendauqua, served as the emcee of the event.

State Rep. Daniel McNeill (D-133rd), township Commissioners Thomas Slonaker and Philip Ginder and personnel from the Egypt, Fullerton, Cementon, Hokendauqua and West Catasauqua fire stations were also present.