LOWER TOWAMENSING TOWNSHIP -- A national contest honoring volunteer firefighters has a tie to our area.
Aquashicola Fire Company in Carbon County is one of the top 20 finalists in the Johnsonville's Best of Us nationwide competition recognizing volunteer departments that go above and beyond.
This small volunteer fire house near Palmerton is in the running for a pretty big honor.
Here in Aquashicola, 44-year volunteer fireman Larry Arner could hardly believe his department's made it this far.
"Absolutely, you think, United States, Aquashicola, Lower Towamensing Township, one out of 20 in the entire United States," said Larry Arner.
With only 12 volunteers, the department plays a big role in Carbon County, collecting millions of cans to raise funds for the community and recently gathering donations for Hurricane Sandy victims.
"I've seen the great things that they do. They are always there whenever anyone needs them, no matter what that need may be, no matter what time of day it is," said Susan Arner of Aquashicola.
Now their hard work could win them a $10,000 prize, training videos, and more.
If the Aquashicola wins the Best of US competition, they would use the prize money to help pay off their truck that costs about $300,000 dollars. But part of the catch is they have no idea where they sit in the standings.
"You don't know, everybody's votes counts. It's like an election," said Susan Arner.
Voting is open online through June 20. Word is spreading faster than fire through town.
Jamie Hittner lives just across the street from Aquashicola's department and said these guys are always working hard.
"I see them over here all the time and it's a big commitment I'm sure to be involved over there," said Jamie Hittner of Lower Towamensing Township.
Now these volunteers say they need some of your help to win.
"Get out there and throw them votes out," said Larry Arner.