Ex-Hecktown Fire Chief Honored for 60 Years of Dedication

At 14, Donald Laubach of Lower Nazareth Township was hanging around the , which was then located across the street from the - just down the street from the company’s current location at 230 Nazareth Pike.

At 16, while his dad was busy responding to calls during his 36-year run at the company, Laubach started following in his father’s footsteps and became a junior firefighter.

That was 1952.

Sixty years later, Laubach, who is lovingly called “Donny” and “Pappy” around the firehouse, was honored Tuesday night for 60 years of active membership with the company that has served Lower Nazareth Township since 1917.

Calling the former fire marshal, assistant fire chief and fire chief a “class act,” current chief Jeffrey Seip expects Laubach to visit often.

“I told him I wouldn’t take his key back because I want him to come back and feel welcome,” Seip said in front of a packed room of uniformed firefighters and officers.

For Laubach, the local fire company has been a part of his family since he can remember.

His father, Willis R. “Pop” Laubach, was active with the company for 36 years and was the fire chief for 33 years.  He passed away in 1999, according to Laubach.

Through the years, Laubach's mother, brother and son have also been involved with the fire company and dispatch.

In his 60 years, Laubach was a fire marshal for 20 years, an assistant fire chief for 15 years and fire chief for 10 years.

When asked why he’s stuck around for so long, Laubach said, “It’s just in your blood.”

After receiving certificates of recognition from state Rep. Marcia Hahn, state Sen. Lisa Boscola and the manager of Lower Nazareth Township, Laubach humbly thanked those in attendance.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I hope you all stick around for 60 years,” he said.  “[The fire company] needs the help.”