In Memory Of...
| Andrew J. Bistran | |
| The Passing of a Legend... | |
| Thursday, September 11, 2008 | |
 •
The officers of the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company regret to
have to announce the passing of Andrew J. Bistran after a recent battle
with cancer. "AJ" was a very dedicated member to the Jefferson Township
Fire Company, leading us while serving in the position of Fire Chief for
14 years up until 2007. He has had many accomplishments for the fire
company and has brought the company up to where we are today. AJ headed
the first brand new apparatus purchase for our department, our rescue in
2003. He also headed the ordering of our new tanker in 2006.
AJ was very active in the fire service, being known throughout the
entire county. He was also a member of the Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Fire
Department and a member of the Carpenters Union Local #645. AJ
also served as a constable for the State of Pennsylvania. His actions
and presence will never be forgotten and he will be in our hearts
forever. Please join us in paying our final respects to AJ.Friends may call Sunday, September 14 from 2pm to 4pm and again from 7pm to 9pm at Chipak Funeral Home, 623 East Drinker Street, Dunmore. The funeral will be Monday, September 15 beginning at 11am at Saint Michael's Byzantine Church, 511 East Drinker Street, Dunmore. The procession will be from Saint Michael's Byzantine Church, to Saint Michael's Cemetery on the O'Neil Highway (across from Big Lots). The procession will follow Drinker Street through Dunmore corners and up the O'Neil Highway. The family has asked, anyone wishing to make a contribution, gift cards are suggested. Currently, any and all apparatus are encouraged to attend and participate in the funeral procession. Any member of an emergency service department interested in participating in an honor guard to line the procession is asked to please get in touch with us. Also, please contact us to let us know how many trucks to expect from your department. Anyone with any questions or is interested in participating, is asked to please contact Assistant Chief Jamie Wallace at 499-4054. |
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| Scranton Times Obituary ::click to view:: | Scranton Times Article ::click to view:: |
| A.J. | |
| A heart of gold And eyes that sparkled A soul full of spirit With a smile that never let you down So proud, so tall, your fire chief But not just your average firefighter A firefighter from within Never letting us fall even if he was falling himself Each new day came And he arrived full of heart and power The outside wasn't at it's best But the inside was stronger then ever Known for his booming voice That could echo for miles But more for his caring sense That could make even the unhappiest child stop crying 1/2 family and 1/2 friends Formed a heart of shinning armor A knight with sword and shield Ready for any battle he happened to stumble on His love never forgotten His pride will carry on But don't remember his rough times For AJ Bistran is never really gone. |
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| -Kristie Patterson 2008- | |
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| Joseph Sabitus | |
| • Joseph Sabitus, formally from the Jefferson Township area, passed away at his residence in Apache Junction, Arizona at the age of 64. Joe was born in Old Forge on January 1, 1942, son of the late Joseph & Gertrude Wega Sabitus. He worked as a professional truck driver for Yellow Freight. Mr. Sabitus was proud to volunteer for the Apache Junction Police Department, Meals on Wheels, and a volunteer firefighter for the Jefferson Township Fire Company where he served as fire chief and was also a volunteer with the Moscow Fire Company. Joe was a life long member of the Acme Hose Company, East Stroudsburg. He will be missed by all. |
| Daniel J. Straka |
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| • In February of 2003 we lost one of our own... Private First Class Daniel James Straka lost his life on February 16, 2003 after the result of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident in San Antonio, Texas. He was 27 years old and a active Fire Fighter with the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company and an active Emergency Medical Technician with the Jefferson Township Volunteer Ambulance Association prior to his leaving for the army. Danny was serving at Fort Sam Houston with the 82nd airborne after joining the army as a result of the attack on our country on September 11, 2001. Danny was always there to help people at the time of need. He was a son, grandson, cousin, husband, father, brother, firefighter, emergency medical technician, soldier medic and most of all a friend... He is greatly missed by everyone at the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company and will never be forgotten for his picture still hangs in the firehouse. Those pictures will be there forever just like the thought of Dan will be in our hearts forever... During the 2005 Installation Dinner, Danny's gear was officially retired in a case that was made by Fire Fighter Matthew Bistran. His gear can be found hanging on the wall in the station. |
| William Gerichten | |
| • William Gerichten was a member of the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company from 1992 to 1996. He held positions of Board of Trustees of the Jefferson Township Ambulance Association from 1993 to 1996 and a position on the Panel of Directors of the Jefferson Township Fire Company in 1993. Bill also served as Fire Police Captain from 1994 to 1996. He will be missed by all. |