2025 Year Annual Recognition Banquet

 
By Lionville Fire Company
May 29, 2026
 

On Friday May 29th the membership of the Lionville Fire Company gathered together with spouses and partners to enjoy a relaxing night off at the Hilton Garden Inn. Members enjoyed drinks, food, company, games, and awards as a small token of appreciation for everything they have contributed over the past year. Guests from other local fire companies, EMS agencies, and municipalities were invited as well to show appreciation for any and all assistance to the fire company.

The actions and capabilities of the Lionville Fire Company would not be possible without the support of other local organizations, and especially without the support of family and friends of members. We thank you dearly!


Recognition awards were announced for the following achievements for the 2025 year:

Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter/EMT Danial Mellinger
Special Service Award: Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bucklin

5 Years of Continuous Service: Mark Dolente, Robert Fowler III, Mattias Jones
10 Years of Continuous Service: Chad Cantley, Paul DeCarlo
15 Years of Continuous Service: Michael "Pike" Holmes
20 Years of Continuous Service and Earned Life Membership: Michael Esterlis, Thomas Tolento
25 Years of Continuous Service: James W. McFadden
35 Years of Continuous Service: Lee Ruth
45 Years of Continuous Service: Linda Gramling
50 Years of Continuous Service: Bill Minahan, Fred Minahan

Top Responders: Rick Schimpf, Alyssa Phillips, and Michael Lam

A special recognition was announced to Bill Minahan for 50 years of dedicated service to the fire company, fulfilling many roles, including Fire Chief, over that time. An addition recognition was announced as a thank you to Chief Michael Esterlis for finishing his 6 year run as Fire Chief at the end of 2025.


A big thank you to the Keystone Valley Fire Department for covering our local for 8 hours so our members could enjoy the night worry-free.
 
Mutual Aid: Keystone Valley Fire Department
 
Firefighter of the Year Firefighter/EMT Danial Mellinger. Presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
Firefighter of the Year Firefighter/EMT Danial Mellinger. Presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
 
Special Service Award Recipient Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bucklin. Presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
Special Service Award Recipient Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bucklin. Presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
 
Battalion Chief Bill Minahan and his unique 50 years of service award presented by President Mark Hull.
Battalion Chief Bill Minahan and his unique 50 years of service award presented by President Mark Hull.
 
Chief Mike Esterlis and his unique recognition as Fire Chief presented by Deputy Chief Mike Lam and Assistant Chief Mike Holmes.
Chief Mike Esterlis and his unique recognition as Fire Chief presented by Deputy Chief Mike Lam and Assistant Chief Mike Holmes.
 
Firefighter Mattias Jones and his 5 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Firefighter Mattias Jones and his 5 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Mackenzie Holmes accepting her brother Michael "Pike" Holmes' 15 years of service award on his behalf. Presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Mackenzie Holmes accepting her brother Michael "Pike" Holmes' 15 years of service award on his behalf. Presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Chief Mike Esterlis and his 20 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Chief Mike Esterlis and his 20 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Firefighter/EMT Tom Tolento and his 20 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Firefighter/EMT Tom Tolento and his 20 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Treasurer Lee Ruth and his 35 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Treasurer Lee Ruth and his 35 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Fire Police Officer Linda Gramling and her 45 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Fire Police Officer Linda Gramling and her 45 years of service award presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Battalion Chief Bill Minahan accepting his own 50 years of service award, as well as his brother Fred Minahan's 50 years of service award. Presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
Battalion Chief Bill Minahan accepting his own 50 years of service award, as well as his brother Fred Minahan's 50 years of service award. Presented by Lieutenant Jack Jacobson.
 
Chief Engineer Rick Schimpf and his Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
Chief Engineer Rick Schimpf and his Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
 
Firefighter/EMT Alyssa Phillips and her Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
Firefighter/EMT Alyssa Phillips and her Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis and Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
 
Deputy Chief Mike Lam and his Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis.
Deputy Chief Mike Lam and his Top Responder award presented by Chief Mike Esterlis.
 
Regular overnight duty crew firefighters. From left to right: Firefighter/EMT Alyssa Phillips, Chief Mike Esterlis, Captain William Behrndt, Firefighter Mattias Jones, Firefighter Will Mikulich, Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bucklin, Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
Regular overnight duty crew firefighters. From left to right: Firefighter/EMT Alyssa Phillips, Chief Mike Esterlis, Captain William Behrndt, Firefighter Mattias Jones, Firefighter Will Mikulich, Firefighter/EMT Andrew Bucklin, Deputy Chief Mike Lam.
 
Chiefs Wives' flowers recognition. From left to right: Chief Mike Esterlis and his girlfriend Mackenzie Holmes, Assistant Chief Mike Holmes and his wife Pam Holmes, Battalion Chief Bill Minahan and his wife Tina Minahan, Deputy Chief Mike Lam and his wife Emily Lam.
Chiefs Wives' flowers recognition. From left to right: Chief Mike Esterlis and his girlfriend Mackenzie Holmes, Assistant Chief Mike Holmes and his wife Pam Holmes, Battalion Chief Bill Minahan and his wife Tina Minahan, Deputy Chief Mike Lam and his wife Emily Lam.