To the Editor:

My mother and I sat around the kitchen table (Friday) night reminiscing about the good old days and the relationship my dad, Tom Piskula, had with the late Bobby Benner.

My dad and Bobby Benner first crossed paths many years ago. My dad was a very active volunteer at the Fullerton fire station as I was growing up. Dad would roll out to a fire call, passing Benner’s Market at the corner of Third and Park streets in Fullerton. My dad noticed every time the fire trucks rolled south in Fullerton, this guy would always be at the intersection directing traffic for the fire equipment. He would leave his business, Benner’s Market, when he heard the whistles rolling down Third Street.

My dad, being grateful for this man’s service, thought it was about time for him to meet this guy, who would jump out into the middle of the street and direct the traffic for the oncoming emergency equipment to pass through. This was possibly the creation of the first fire police in the township.

Even back then, volunteers were at a premium. It took my dad months to convince Bobby he could be a great firefighter. On my dad’s day off from work, he would meet Bobby at the station and begin training him on how to operate the fire trucks. It seemed to be a natural fit.

Bobby’s skills surpassed my dad’s over the years and earned him a very prestigious position with Whitehall Township Fire Department.

In my political career, I had many opportunities to seek the advice of Chief Benner. At the close of every conversation, he would remind me he would not be fire chief if it were not for the persistence of my dad many years ago.

I am sure if you search the township fire department membership files, there would not be many members with active years of service like my dad and Bobby Benner. It was men like them who paved the way for new equipment and training to keep this ever-growing community safe from potential fire catastrophes.

Bobby leaves a tremendous legacy behind.

I am fortunate to have my dad still with me to be the historian of the little community of Fullerton and share his stories of great beginnings for this township.

Charlene M. Piskula

Coplay