Firefighters from Upper and Lower Saucon townships were among those honored when 24 volunteers from 12 area fire companies were recognized for completion of a 192-hour Bucks County Fire Academy basic firefighting course at a June ceremony at Lower Macungie Community Center.

The local firefighters are Adam Diomedo and Akim King of Upper Suacon Township and Marisa Mowrer of Lower Saucon.

This was the 10th year that Lower Macungie Fire Department has sponsored the course in Lehigh County so firefighters do not have to travel three hours each week from January to May to the Bucks County Community College campus.

Besides 112 hours of basic firefighting skills, the volunteers also learned life-saving and first aid skills, how to handle hazardous materials, and response to incidents such as anti-freeze spills at a motor vehicle accident, up to intimidating incidents dealing with weapons of mass destruction.

Training certification by the Bucks County Fire Academy is accepted by volunteer fire departments throughout the United States.