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Former Shamokin Fire Commissioner Receives Watch for 50 Years of Service to Rescue Fire Engine & Hose Co. #3
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Claude E. Kehler recently was presented with a watch for marking 50 years of service to the Rescue Fire Engine & Hose Co. #3, Shamokin, Pa. Fellow firefighters Ralph J. Renn and Robert F. Milbrand presented the watch to Kehler at his home at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, Pa.
Born and raised in Shamokin, Kehler was active the community, having served 36 years as fire commissioner and director of public safety.
"He's been a very beneficial member of the fire company," Renn said. "He's certainly an asset to our community."
Kehler was a founding member and past president of the Shamokin Area Parent Teacher Association; past deacon, elder and consistory member for Saint John's United Church of Christ; a former member of the Salvation Army's board of directors; past president of Shamokin Area Kiwanis Club; past member of the board of directors for the Shamokin Community Hospital; and a former council member for the Borough of Shamokin, 1948-1985. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1942-46, attaining the rank of Captain. Kehler is a 50-year member of Shamokin Lodge and the Shamokin Royal Arch Chapter.
His professional accomplishments include organizing the first-ever mutual aid fire fighting agreements between Shamokin and surrounding communities and establishing the Regional Area Police Information Dispatch (RAPID) system, covering 60,000 residents.
Because of his years of dedication to Shamokin, the Claude E. Kehler Community Park was dedicated in his honor in June 2004.
"Everybody in town knows Claude," Milbrand said.
Kehler moved to Masonic Village with his late wife, Caroline, in April 2003. He has a son, Maj. Gen. Robert Kehler; a daughter, Carol Rabe; and five grandchildren.
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| In recognition of his 50 years of service to the Rescue Fire Engine & Hose Co. #3 in Shamokin, Claude E. Kehler accepts a watch from fellow firefighters Robert F. Milbrand and Ralph J. Renn.
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