DAY OF MOURNING: Flag-draped coffins greet mourners at firefighters' wake
Hundreds of first responders converged on New Tripoli on Saturday to pay tribute to two volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Fallen New Tripoli firefighters remembered as devoted family men, public servants
Family men. Hard workers. Devoted dads.
Marvin Gruber, 59, and Zachary Paris, 36, belonged to Community Fire Company of New Tripoli.
They were among scores of firefighters called to a house fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, on Dec. 7. Authorities said they were trapped in the blaze and eventually pulled from the burning building.
Both were pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital - Miner's Campus in Coaldale. Police investigating the fire have labeled it suspicious.
Paris was first assistant chief for Community Fire Company but worked full-time as a career firefighter in Frederick County, Md.
Gruber volunteered with Community Fire Company since 2020 and worked as assistant director of public safety at Northampton Community College.
Paris grew up in Berks County and was a devoted dad to his two girls, according to his obituary. He loved to take his daughters fishing and had a passion for restoring classic cars.
Gruber grew up on his family-run dairy farm in New Tripoli and was a fixture in the community, according to his obituary. He was described as a loving Pop-Pop to his three grandchildren and took them on their first trip to Disney World last year.
His son, Nick Gruber, is Community Fire Company's deputy chief.
Marvin Gruber also was assistant chief of Northwestern Ambulance Corps and served as a deacon at Ebenezer U.C.C. Church in New Tripoli.
At Katie’s Family Restaurant along Route 309, a gathering place near Northwestern Lehigh High School, co-owner Denise Macalush said both Gruber and Paris were regulars.
“He had a big warm heart and a big smile.”
She said he never complained about his food.
Macalush added that she didn’t know Paris as well, but he often would come to the diner to get ice cream with his two girls.
A TRIBUTE TO TWO HEROES
"This service is a family, brothers and sisters. And when one falls, we all hurt. And this is a fairly new experience for a company in the Lehigh Valley that it affects us all."
The Firefighter's Prayer
"When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to your will I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife."
-Author Unknown
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