LODD - Vol. FF Dies Answering Christmas Day Call

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Volunteer FF John Stoudt, with the Diligence Fire Co., Summit Hill PA, died in the line of duty after 50 years of service with the dept. He was 66 yrs old.

Prayers and thoughts go to his family, friends and community. His dedication is an example to us all. RIP.

By Matt Birkbeck

Of The Morning Call

December 28, 2004

To the volunteer firefighters at the Diligence Fire Company in Summit Hill who knew John Stoudt best, he was simply known as ''Brother.''

For nearly 50 years, Stoudt was a guiding presence there. He held offices, including chief engineer and treasurer, and performed a host of duties, such as maintaining the trucks and equipment, balancing the checkbook and driving his favorite truck, the lime green Ladder 1421.

Since joining the department as a teenager in 1955, Stoudt had earned the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

''He was an icon here, a pillar of strength, someone who was known throughout Carbon County,'' said fire company President Joe Lorkowski.

On Wednesday, representatives from dozens of fire companies throughout Pennsylvania, and beyond, will line W. Fell Street to say goodbye to Stoudt, 66, who died early Christmas Day after suffering a heart attack while responding to a fire call.

The news of Stoudt's death, the first in the line of duty in the 107-year history of Diligence, traveled quickly, bringing shock and sadness to the tight-knit Summit Hill community.

But nowhere did it hurt more than in the small firehouse on W. Ludlow Street, where photos of Stoudt lined one room while his helmet rested on the front bumper of Ladder 1421.

''He loved the department and loved this borough,'' said Lorkowski.

Stoudt, married 45 years to Shirley Stoudt, remained with the department after having open heart surgery several years ago.

He retired in 2002 from being a shift leader with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and spent even more time at the firehouse. Whenever there was a call, said friends, Stoudt was there.

''There could be two firemen at a scene, and you knew one of them would be John,'' said Paul McArdle, the mayor of Summit Hill and a lifelong friend.

On Friday, Christmas Eve, Stoudt responded with the Diligence company to three calls, all traffic accidents. When the fourth call came in around midnight, a house fire in nearby Lansford, Stoudt arrived within minutes, said McArdle.

''It was bitter cold that day, but that didn't stop him,'' said McArdle. ''He had his uniform on and was climbing into the truck when he fell backward.''

After he collapsed to the floor, fellow firefighters tried to revive him. He was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead around 2 a.m.

''John was one of those guys that brought out the best in people,'' said Lorkowski, pointing to a drawing board of the funeral procession, which is expected to include more than 50 fire trucks from departments throughout the region.

Many of those influenced by Stoudt were the younger firefighters trying to find their way.

''You could ask him anything,'' said Jamie Shelton, who served with Stoudt for 10 years.

''He looked out for the younger guys, always teaching something, especially that we were here to help,'' said Shelton.

Stoudt's funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Parambo Funeral Home. McArdle said extra police will handle traffic and crowd control.