New Year’s Eve is often a time for things to end, and so it was for the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Assistant Chief John Pristas, who spent more than 20 years with the department and has had a volunteer firefighting career spanning four decades, retired.

Pristas started firefighting at 16 with Wilkins Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in Allegheny County and during his time in Cranberry Township rose from firefighter through the ranks to become lieutenant, captain and finally, assistant chief.

He’s been recognized with two Chief’s Awards, as well as the Merit Award, Brigade Member of the Year, the Most Calls award, and the President's Award.

Pristas, who recently turned 60, decided it was time to step aside when he wasn’t going to be able to commit the same amount of time and energy to the department.

He’s not leaving entirely, though. He said he plans to speak with past department chiefs to make sure the lessons they learned aren’t forgotten by the next generation of leaders.

Pristas’ years of commitment show devotion to his community and to the safety of others. He offers a tremendous example of how one person can make an enormous difference in their community.

“John Pristas has been a loyal servant to the organization for a very long period of time,” said Scott Garing, the township’s chief of fire and emergency services. “No matter what needed done, he was always there to mentor the group. He was an unbelievable person, and one of his best characteristics was that he was always smiling. He's the definition of selfless service.”

We join the department and Cranberry Township as a whole in thanking Pristas for that selfless service. We hope his example inspires others to do the same.

— JK