It is with great sadness and regret that we report the passing of Reading Firefighter James "Corky" Lerch, Jr. After a few short months, Jim lost his battle with cancer while surrounded by his family and friends.

Jim served as a volunteer firefighter with the Neversink Fire Co. in Reading before being hired in June of 2001. After completing fire training, he was assigned to the 'D' platoon as a jumper. In February of 2002, FF Lerch was assigned to Engine 5. Jim would move to the 'A' platoon in May of 2010, when he took an assignment on Engine 1. In December of 2015, Jim transferred to the 'B' platoon on Engine 3. In 2018, after working a few years on the 'B' platoon, Lerch switched to the 'C' platoon on the engine.

Jim is survived by his wife, Christine, 3 children, and 1 grandchild.