They run toward danger.

They run for free.

They are Salisbury Township volunteer fire- fighters.

Salisbury Township honored three of its own at the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony: Firefighters John Kelly, Gerald Royer and Frank Bummer.

Introductory remarks were presented by Salisbury Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich.

Each honoree was lauded by a township commissioner at a catered buffet dinner 6 p.m. April 28 in the meeting room of the township municipal building.

Honorees were presented with proclamations and an inscribed firefighter statuette. An estimated 45 attended the event.

Salisbury firefighters’ dedication was in evidence when several departed the dinner to respond to a call to assist from Emmaus firefighters. The Salisbury firefighters later returned to the ceremony.

“On March 24, the board of commissioners had signed a proclamation to make the month of April be a volunteer month,” township Commissioner Alok Patnaik said, himself a volunteer firefighter with Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company.

“He has dedicated his time to fire and related services since June of 1981,” Patnaik said of Kelly.

“I couldn’t believe it because that was before I was born,” Patnaik quipped. “Almost 41 years. Not to make him feel old, but to highlight his continuous dedication and years of commitment to make our community better.

“Year over year, he has helped many volunteers and community members. This is a true story of inspiration for our current and upcoming generations,” Patnaik continued.

“By resolution passed on April 14 by the board of commissioners, John Kelly has been officially recognized for his volunteer work and efforts for the residents of township of Salisbury,” Patnaik said before inviting Kelly to accept his awards and pose for photos.

Kelly is a life member, trustee and on the board of directors of Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company.

“Mr. Gerald Royer has been involved in volunteer emergency services for over 50 years,” board of commissioners Vice President Rodney Conn said.

“He joined the Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company after he moved from North Whitehall Township on Jan. 16, 1978.

“He is currently the safety officer and serves as a trustee on the board of directors. In addition to his over 44 years with the fire company, he was also the treasurer for the Salisbury Township Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association for over 35 years,” Conn said.

“On the response side, he has served as a firefighter, safety officer, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and assistant fire chief of Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company. Jerry is also an emergency medical technician and vehicle response technician.

“Jerry served many years as treasurer on the board of directors and also as a board member.

“Jerry works with many people to enhance the community. His volunteerism serves as an inspiration to all who know him and have the privilege of working with him. His leadership and devotion to training and leading young men and women in the fire service have been every rewarding,” Conn said.

“He is very dedicated to his church. He serves as the sacristan in the daily morning masses at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

“He is a committed and dedicated volunteer. He shows great organizational skills and is the chairman of the building and expansion project for the Western Salisbury Fire Station. Jerry, along with Chief Wells, started this project in 2013,” Conn said.

With that, Conn invited Royer to the podium area to accept his awards and pose for photos.

“Frank C. Bummer was just 15 years old when he started his volunteer service with the fire and ambulance corps on Nov. 1, 1970, with Salisbury Fire Company No. 1,” board of commissioners President Debra Brinton said.

“He became a firefighter, driving and operating the now antique truck.

“At 19, he became the ambulance lieutenant. He climbed the ranks to ambulance captain at just 21 years of age in 1977,” Brinton said.

“In 1981, at 26 years old, he transitioned to fire police and in 1989 became the fire police lieutenant.

“He climbed the ranks yet again to fire police captain in 1999, a position he has held since then,” Brinton said.

“Frank is in the midst of his 52nd year of service with what is now called Eastern Salisbury Fire Department.

“Not only did Frank serve the township in his volunteer capacity, but he also was an employee in the Salisbury Township utility department for 30 years, before retiring in 2014.

“We thank Frank for his steadfast service to Salisbury Township and its residents, for his exceptional capacity for volunteerism and for his unwavering commitment to his community,” Brinton said before inviting Bummer to accept his awards and have photos taken.

“I am very happy to honor the firefighters,” Brinton said in closing remarks.

“I don’t think there is anything higher. You give of your time. You give your life. I appreciate everyone in this room,” Brinton said.