Clarks Summit DPW worker, fireman honored

CLARKS SUMMIT — Retired Clarks Summit firefighter and DPW worker Douglas Craig was given a proclamation by the Clarks Summit Borough during a work session on Wednesday, July 31. He was honored for his longtime service with the Clarks Summit Fire Company and the Department of Public Works (DPW). The borough declared the day as ‘Douglas Craig Day.’

“It’s pretty nice,” he said. “It’s quite humbling.”

A lifetime resident of Clarks Summit, Doug attended Abington Heights High School, where he received a drafting award for designing a house. Before graduating in 1978, he joined the U.S. Air Force, in which he had basic training and did tours at Lackland Air Force Base. He attended firefighter school at Chanute Air Force Base. He then did tours at Dyess Air Force Base and Osan Air Force Base in South Korea. He was awarded the Airman’s Medal, the highest peacetime award for heroism, involving risk of life. He was twice named Dyess Base “PRIDE” Airman of the Month.

After 37 years, Doug is a life member of the Clarks Summit Fire Company. He served as lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and fire chief. For 30 years, he also worked as an EMT, during which time he was awarded Clarks Summit Fire Company EMS Corpsman of the Year as well as NE Pennsylvania Volunteer Fireman’s Federation Life Serving Award. He is a life member of the Abington Memorial Post 7069. He also acts as Honor Guard of the Dickson City American Legion Post 665.

Official proclamation

The full proclamation, issued by Clarks Summit Borough Council President Germaine Carey, reads as follows:

“A Proclamation honoring Douglas Craig and declaring this day of July 31, 2024 as ‘Douglas Craig Day’ in the Borough of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania by the Clarks Summit Borough Council President, Germaine Carey, is announced to one and all.

“As a resident of the Borough of Clarks Summit for lifetime, Doug attended and graduated from Abington Heights High School. He is married to his wife, Sandy.

“Serving a term in the U. S. Air Force, he worked as a Firefighter/Rescueman. During his tour of duty, Doug was awarded the Airman’s Medal, the highest peacetime award for heroism involving risk of life and he was twice named Dyess Base “PRIDE” Airman of the month.

“In addition, Doug is a Life member after 37 years of the Clarks Summit Fire Company, during which time he served as Lieutenant, Captain, 2nd Assistance Chief and Fire Chief. His work also included 30 years as an EMT. where he was awarded CS Fire Company EMS ‘Corpman of the year’ as well as NE Pennsylvania Volunteer Fireman’s Federation ‘Life Saving Award.’

“Doug is also a life member of the Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069 where currently serves on the House Committee. He also acts as Honor Guard of the Dickson City American Legion Post 665.

“So, being of sound mind and in full witness here of, I officially declare it ‘Douglas Craig Day’ in the Borough of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.”