Pa. photographers offer free family photos for first responders

By Amy Marchiano
The Republican & Herald

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Wanting to recognize first responders for their contribution to the community, photographers invited them and their families to a free photo shoot.

Ashley Farr, Jen Shaeffer and Melanie Runkle, all of Schuylkill Haven, snapped photos during the Free Photos for First Responders event at Bubeck Park on Friday. Families were invited to take five to six photos during the event.

"They don't even think twice (about responding to 911 calls). I just want them to know that they are respected and appreciated," Farr said.

Farr said she wanted to host the event after she was moved by reading a post online about a wife of a police officer who took a photo of her husband and their children everyday before he went to work.

"They will never know when they will have their last photo," Farr said.

The photos were available for firefighters, police, EMS or correction officers. Farr said the goal was to take photos of 25 families.By 5:30 p.m., at least 10 families attended the event.

A local company donated free 8-by-10 photos for families. Amanda Morris of Triple A Cakes donated and distributed cupcakes.

A corporal from the state police at Schuylkill Haven and his family were the first to get their pictures taken.

Also attending the event were Connie Showalter, 48, of Spring Township, Berks County, and her husband, Sgt. Sean Showalter, 48, of the Northern Berks Regional Police Department, Reading. With them were their children, Ryan, 19, and Kiera, 16. Connie appreciates the chance to get photos of her family.

"When he walks out the door, there is no guarantee he is coming home," she said, which changes your whole perspective on life.

Showalter, who was dressed in his police uniform, said he has been with the police department for 14 years. He appreciated the generosity of the community. He doesn't get a lot of thanks for the job he does but doesn't expect a lot either.

He wants people to know that "we are not bad people. We are just trying to keep order. Without the police it would be chaotic," he said.

Chris Dampman, 32, assistant chief of the Port Clinton Fire Department, was there with his daughter, Serenade Dampman, 8, of Shartlesville, Berks County. Serenade wore his helmet while he wore his turnout gear.

Dampman said he has been with the fire department for 10 years, two as assistant chief, two as captain and six years as a firefighter.

"It's rewarding to help the public out," he said, adding the fire department is always in need of volunteers.

He appreciates that others are giving their time to capture memories for people they might not even know.

Schuylkill EMS paramedic Edward Lizewski, 23, of Pine Grove, and his wife, Brittney, 23, and their children, Landen, 1, Sophia, 3, and Alexandrea, 7, sat on a bench for one of their photos.

"Make sure you smile," Brittney said to her daughters.

Lizewski said he loves what he does, although the hours can be long and that he worked a 12-hour-shift Thursday.

"I love being able to go out and help people and make a difference if they are sick or injured," he said.

Brittney said events like Friday shows the community cares and supports the first responders.

Farr said the photos will be available possibly within a week and that she would like to have another event in the spring at Bubeck Park for those who could not attend Friday.

Copyright 2016 the Republican & Herald

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