Landis Market, Perkasie Fire Company receive Jim Purcell Memorial Award

Perkasie Borough recently honored Landis Market and the Perkasie Fire Company with its second annual Jim Purcell Memorial Award for service to the community.

The award, named after former Perkasie council member Jim Purcell, was presented at Perkasie’s Community Day on June 28 in Lenape Park. Perkasie mayor Jeff Hollenbach, who chose the award recipients, proclaimed the annual award in April 2024 to honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the betterment of the community.

“There are the four words I think of for [Purcell] – service, commitment, dedication and integrity, and these two parties represent those words very well,” said Hollenbach.

    The award was presented at the June 28 Perkasie Community Day in Lenape Park.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Founded in 1938 by Frank and Sadie Landis, Landis Market started as a small neighborhood grocery store on Main Street in Telford. Now a third-generation, family-owned business with multiple locations, including Perkasie, Landis Market employs nearly 500 team members and supports over 200 local charitable and nonprofit organizations, with weekly donations to local food banks, said a Perkasie Borough press release.

“They have been a fixture in Perkasie for many years, feeding our community,” said Hollenbach. “For years, they’ve provided fresh food, friendly service and unwavering support during both ordinary days and times of need. I have deep appreciation for their commitment to our residents and for making our town a better place to live.”

Meanwhile, the Perkasie Fire Company has served the community since its formation in 1890 and is currently celebrating its 135th anniversary. Today, the company operates as an all-volunteer organization, with nearly 100 volunteer firefighters, fire police, and contributing members providing 24/7 service to the Pennridge area, said the release.

“They have been a bedrock of our community safety and well-being,” said Hollenbach. “Their unwavering commitment, bravery and countless hours of service reflect the very essence of what Jim Purcell championed – a deep love for Perkasie and a tireless dedication to its residents.”

    Perkasie mayor Jeff Hollenbach and Scott Landis of Landis Market pose for a picture.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

    Perkasie mayor Jeff Hollenbach, who chose the award recipients, speaks at the ceremony.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Scott Landis, Landis Market chairman, and Jason Trotter, Perkasie Fire Company Chief, expressed immense gratitude for the award.             

“I’m humbled and honored to accept Jim Purcell Memorial Award tonight on behalf of the Landis family and the nearly 500 team members who work with us at Landis Market,” said Landis. “It means a great deal to us to be recognized, not just as a local business but to be part of the fabric of the community.”

“Jim was always an advocate of Perkasie Fire Company, was always willing to step up and look for ways he could lead the borough into areas where we needed help,” said Trotter. “It’s a cool honor to accept this award named after him, and we appreciate it.”

Purcell passed away in November at the age of 70. His public service in Perkasie began in 1977 when he was appointed to the Pennridge Wastewater Treatment Authority. He additionally served on the Perkasie Regional Authority and was a member of the Pennridge Jaycees. He was first elected to Perkasie Borough Council in 1992, serving as vice president for many years, said his obituary.

Some of Purcell’s most notable acts included spearheading the construction of the Lenape Park walking trail, assisting in the relief and reconstruction efforts after the devastating 1988 Perkasie fire and developing Perkasie’s widely-recognized electric department, said Hollenbach.

    Perkasie council member Jim Purcell passed away in Nov. 2024 at the age of 70. (Courtesy of Suess Funeral Home)
  

“When the great Perkasie Fire of 1988 occurred, Jim was on the roof of his building with a firehouse, wetting the roofs so the sparks from the fire wouldn’t spread,” said sister Maureen Purcell. “After the fire, he helped raise $50,000 for the [relief efforts]. I’m very honored to represent him.”

“Jim poured his considerable gifts and talents into this community because he loved Perkasie,” said Hollenbach. “We as a community are clearly blessed by his effort.”

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