SUNBURY -- Fourteen volunteers who saved 32 people and 30 animals in a 48-hour shift following Tropical Storm Lee now have new red windbreakers as a memento of their heroism.
Former Sunbury Fire Chief Dean Weirick wanted to show his appreciation to the volunteers who worked after the storm dumped more than 7 inches of rain on the Valley in a 72-hour span and caused widespread flooding.
Weirick presented the Sunbury Water Rescue Team with water-repellent jackets and certificates acknowledging their extraordinary work above and beyond the call of duty.
"I wanted these people to know that I, and this community, are thankful for what they do," Weirick said. "This is a small token of my appreciation."
Weirick purchased the jackets with his own money.
"For what these people did for us, it is a small gesture," he said. "I wish I could do more."
Weirick presented the jackets to the 14 rescuers who stood next to the boat that saved humans and animals alike over two days in mid-September.
"Those people would not have been saved," Weirick said. "You people were going to be recognized no matter what I had to do."
Dan and Vickie Lehman, of Sunbury, were shocked to receive praise for their performance during the flooding.
"We never look for any kind of glory," Vickie Lehman said. "When he called and told us we were going to be recognized, we were caught off-guard."
That's the kind of guy Weirick is, Dan Lehman said.
"What he did and what he does for the fire companies is just amazing," Dan Lehman said of Weirick.
"He is truly a remarkable man and this shows how much he really does care."
Weirick's gesture was just stunning, said Rick Sinko, battalion chief of the Sunbury Fire Department.
"Our guys don't go out to do this because they want praise," he said. "They do it because they want to help people. So for Dean to go out of his way and recognize us is just something I will always remember."
Weirick retired after two years as fire chief and has been with the fire department for 32 years.
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