Easton Firefighters' Professional Achievements Acknowledged

By Christina Georgiou

George Leidy was officially sworn in as an
Easton Fire Department captain Wednesday evening
by Easton Mayor Sal Panto.

The achievements and contributions by two longtime Easton firefighters were recognized by city council at its meeting Wednesday evening.

Sixteen year veteran of the Easton Fire Department George Leidy was officially sworn in as a captain, having recently been promoted from lieutenant.

After his oath was administered by Mayor Sal Panto, Leidy's new badge was pinned onto his uniform by his father-in-law, Robert Lee.

Easton Fire Department Captain George Leidy's new
badge is pinned onto his uniform by his
father-in-law, Robert Lee.

The pinning of the badge was a significant moment, and it is traditional that a newly promoted fire officer choose someone close to him for the honor, explained Easton Fire Chief John Bast.

Leidy, who is nationally certified as a "Fire Officer I & II" and an EMS first responder, has been assigned to the city fire department's third platoon as the city-wide Tour Commander, where his responsibilities will include the management of the working platoon and responding to all incidents while on duty, Bast said.

Also recognized Wednesday night was Deputy Fire Chief John Price, a 31 1/2-year veteran of the department, for being granted the professional designations of "Certified Fire Investigator" (CFI) and "Fire Officer".

Deputy Fire Chief John Price,
a 31 1/2-year veteran of the department, center,
was recognized for gaining the professional
designations of "Certified Fire Investigator" (CFI) and "Fire Officer".

It took "five years of hard work" for Price to become a CFI, one of only 58 in the state, Bast said. The process includes an assessment of education, training and experience, as well as passing a comprehensive exam.

Price is one of only three Fire Officers in Pennsylvania as recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and the only one in the Lehigh Valley. The designation is awarded after a thorough assessment of the applicant's background and experience, including contributions to the profession and their community involvement.

Mayor Sal Panto, right, and Councilman Jeff Warren, who
heads the city's public safety committee, congratulate
Deputy Fire Chief John Price on his achievements.

Councilman Jeff Warren, who heads the city council public safety committee, credited Bast, as well as the firefighters, for the promotion and professional recognitions, noting that Bast was recognized as a Chief Fire Officer, a title shared by just 21 other fire officials in Pennsylvania, in 2012, and he has since encouraged professional development by members of the department.

"What a terrific job you've done with your leadership and on the example you have set for the department," Warren said, adding, "Thank you too, to the department for the job you do for our community."

Updated at 9:56 a.m.