Pennsylvania Officials Salute Longtime Firefighters

When Cranberry’s Board of Supervisors invited Chris DeCree and Jim Cole to its Oct. 2 meeting, the two men had no clue they would receive a resolution of appreciation.

“We didn’t expect it at all,” said DeCree, 77, of Cranberry. “To get this kind of recognition from your peers is pretty rewarding.”

“It was a great way to recognize the importance of the department and the work of the firefighters,” said Cole, 68, also of Cranberry.

Decree, with 31 years of service at the Cranberry Volunteer Fire Co., and Cole, with 39 years of service, still play a major role in the company despite not actively fighting fires.

“Jim Cole and Chris DeCree help make Cranberry Township a better community by their long term dedication to our volunteer fire department,” said Bruce Mazzoni chairman of the supervisors. “Not only by keeping our homes and businesses safe, but for helping to guide the fire department to the higher level of professionalism that continues to attract young volunteers.”

Cole joined the fire company in 1975 after growing up in a family of firefighters.

“It started with my grandfather, then my father and my brothers. I even had a sister who was a firefighter,” he said.

Cole serves as the fire company’s chaplain and treasurer, but he has held many different positions, including firefighter, driver and safety officer.

“I’ve held all the duties coming up through the lines,” said Cole. “As I started getting older, I started to gravitate more toward the office positions.”

DeCree joined the company in 1983 after moving to Cranberry. His certifications include firefighter, driver and fire instructor.

“I was a unique case,” said DeCree. “I looked to the administrative side of things, eventually becoming vice president then company president.”

Much has changed since DeCree started at the fire company.

“During my time here, we have professionalized things,” said DeCree. “The department is run more like a business now with the help of the township.”

The community remains the center of importance.

“If you think about it, you are helping people through their worst days, whether their house burnt down or there was a car accident,” said DeCree. “The feeling you get from that is pretty gratifying.”

As they have gotten older, both men said they have had to make tough decisions.

“I made the choice of backing away from the line of firefighting. With getting older and suffering from loss of hearing, I didn’t want to put myself in harm’s way or jeopardize anyone else,” said Cole.

They have made it through everything thanks to the support of their families, they said.

“Our families have been very supportive,” DeCree said. “We couldn’t have done what we did all these years without them.”

Jessica Federkeil is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.