It is with a heavy heart that the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of an icon of Plumstead, Life Member J. Earle Yerkes Jr. For decades Earle has served our community both as a township servant and for just over 70 years as an active member of the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company having joined January 1, 1951. Over the years Earle held many positions with the fire company including Deputy Chief, Assist Chief, President, and Secretary. Earle was also important to our fund-raising effort as Fundraising Committee Chair for many years as well as working with our Ladies Auxiliary with their fund-raising events. Earle was the first of three generations of volunteer firefighters as his son, daughter, grandsons, and granddaughters instilled with his community service followed in his footsteps to become members of PVFC and surrounding fire companies. In a few years, the fourth generation may join us as well. Earle was a fixture at the firehouse attending monthly business meetings to make his opinion on matters of the day known. He rarely missed a fundraising event, including his keynote roast beef dinners. Earle was always available to offer advice to those who took the time to ask. He would then regale you with stories of past fires, fire trucks, or members. Earle dedicated his life to serving the community with the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company and he will be missed. An example of the high regard we held Earle and all that he has done for PVFC in 2015 he was named our firefighter of the year, even though it had been decades since he had fought a fire. Pictured below is Earle and his family on their 4th of July picnic and where PVFC awarded Earle with his 2015 Firefighter of the year award. Thank you Earle for your lifetime of service and dedication, we will take it from here brother.
