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Bristol Fire Chief Receives Award From American Legion Department Of Pennsylvania

July 18, 2022

Chief Herb Slack with his awards.
Credit: Carl Trinko

The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania presented Bristol Borough Fire Chief Herb Slack with an award Saturday at their annual statewide convention in Harrisburg.

Slack, who has spent his life in the fire service, was awarded the 2022 Firefighter of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania department of the organization.

Slack was nominated by the Levittown Memorial American Legion Post 960 in Middletown Township’s Levittown section for the award and was selected from all nominations across the state.

Slack joined the fire service at 16 and worked his way through Bristol Borough’s service with roles as a captain, assistant chief and was first elected chief in 1975.

Slack has served as Bristol Borough’s fire marshal and was appointed borough-wide chief in 2005. He has command over all fire operations within the borough.

“Chief Slack also served his community as a social studies teacher, a local coach and retired after 33 years from a civil service position with the U.S. Department of the Navy having worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the Naval Support Activity Philadelphia,” a statement said.

After being presented the Firefighter of the Year Award, Slack was asked to remain at the podium where he was presented with a second award, the American Legion New England Region Firefighter of the Year.

While Slack knew he was being presented with the first honor, he didn’t know about the second.

Slack’s award gives him recognition in Pennsylvania and across the country.

“Congratulations Chief Herb Slack. We all thank you for your tireless and invaluable support to Bristol Borough,” organizers said.