Sunday April 29th, 2007 was officially announced as Joseph Kempf Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as ordered by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Joe was a member of the Crossmen hornline in 2001 and the drum major of the corps in 2002. He was also a former member and drum major for the Reading Buccaneers DCA corps. Joe was tragically killed on December 19, 2004 while assisting victims in a multi-car accident on I-80 in central Pennsylvania. He was a member of Neffsville Fire Company since 1995, and achieved First Responder status. Joe was posthumously elected to the Crossmen Hall of Fame in 2005.

According to Lori Kempf, Joe's mother, the Neffsville Fire Co. dedicated their new squad in Joe's honor on Sunday, April 29th, and they asked their local state representative John Bear to attend. Upon visiting the state capitol building in Harrisburg as special guests of Representative Bear, the Kempfs were met with an astounding and unexpected surprise.

From Lori Kempf:
"When John Bear took the mike, the House became dead silent. He noted that after 9/11, America depends more on volunteers than ever before. A volunteer fire company is more than bricks and mortar but is made up of dedicated individuals. He told of Joe's certifications and described the accident scene on December 19, 2004. He said that the Neffsville Fire Co. is dedicating their new squad this Sunday in Joe's honor for his heroic efforts. He asked us to stand and be recognized.

There was a standing ovation from all members of the House. Many came up to us personally to thank us. It was incredibly touching - and difficult.

Neffsville Fire Co. did not request this honor. They simply asked Rep. Bear to be present at the dedication ceremony as a local dignitary. His staff researched Joe and turned some information over to the legislative panel for special affairs. This group of attorneys decided something more than a visiting local dignitary was warranted. Sunday, April 29th, will be Joseph Kempf Day in Pennsylvania."

As anyone who knew Joe can attest, this is an honor he was more than worthy to receive. On Sunday April 29th, be sure to say a prayer and give thanks that Joe was such a meaningful part of our lives, and that his life touched so many in the drum corps community and beyond.