Oakmont-Verona Rotary extends thanks to firefighters

Rotary International’s motto, Service Above Self, explains the Oakmont-Verona Rotary Club’s relationship with the Oakmont and Verona volunteer fire departments.

Club members are grateful for the firefighters’ dedication and selflessness, as they answer numerous calls each year and give countless hours of their time to training and equipment maintenance.

Recently, Rotarians Karyn Brooks, Chris Martin, Carrie DelRosso and Don Stoner visited both departments to show appreciation for their commitment to the communities. The Verona volunteer firefighters, led by Chief Daniel Tihey, and Oakmont volunteer firefighters, led by Chief Joe Flanick, showed the Rotarians their fire halls and equipment, including a new Oakmont 102-foot ladder truck.

The firefighters have immeasurable positive impacts on the towns they serve, and they play an integral role in the community. For example, they assist the Oakmont-Verona Rotary Club by installing and removing the Flags of Honor five times a year. This project provides the opportunity to honor or remember relatives or friends in Oakmont or Verona Boroughs.

The U.S. flags, measuring 3 by 5 feet and made in the United States, are placed along the arboretum walking trail in Oakmont and around the pavilion in Verona’s Railroad Park. This year, Flags of Honor will be added near the Doughboy statue in Verona, and soon flags will be added above the wall at Plum Street in Oakmont.

Thanks to the Rotary club’s sponsors, every family in Oakmont or Verona who cannot afford the full $50 cost can still honor one friend or family member at a reduced cost or for free. Forms are available at Eiler’s Hardware in Verona, English Funeral Home and Oakmont Dental, or by calling 412-860-7242.

The 2023 flag schedule is as follows: Memorial Day (May 29), Flag Day (June 14), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (Sept. 4) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

The Oakmont-Verona Rotary Club has overseen the Flags of Honor project and supported local firefighters since 1927. The club also supports other local projects, including the Boulevard Project, Verona Sign Project, recycling program, dictionary program, Riverview scholarships and Riverview Community Action Corp.