Whitehall Township Fire Department recognized Robert James Miller for his 50 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Laurel Fire Company, Cementon, during an awards banquet Nov. 7 at the Allen Township Fire Company social hall.

Whitehall Fire Chief Robert Benner, in presenting the award, described Miller as “dedicated, responsible and ready when called on.” Assistant Fire Chief Rich Kutzura, who heads the Laurel Fire Company, said Miller was committed - and most times, the first person at the station when the alarm sounds.

A retired township public works employee, Miller said he has gone out on countless fire calls, in the middle of the night, in snow and ice and countless other situations.

Miller was given a commendation and pin for five decades of service.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., in his remarks, said not only is the township fire department the largest volunteer fire department in the state, it also ranks as a dedicated organization in training and experience.

Cited at the banquet with more than 30 years of service were Thomas Piskula, Gerald Nero, Keith Grim, Herbert Saylor, Robert Benner, Robert Sterner, Joseph Wetzel, Dennis Scholtis, James Handfest, AC Raymond Dankel, Greg Scheirer, Carl Kocher, Robert Ernest, David Pierson, Dalton Stettler, Gary Weaver, David Keefer and John Freeman.

Whitehall Township has 157 volunteers made up of firefighters, fire police and drivers within stations in Cementon, Egypt, Fullerton, Hokendauqua and West Catasauqua.