Elverson Mayor Bob Broderick swore in Twin Valley firefighters as Special Fire Police Officers Nov. 2 in front of the Twin Valley Fire Station.
“I am honored to be part of one of the leading volunteer fire companies in the tri-county area that is clearly dedicated to providing quality emergency services to our communities. Training our active firefighters and being able to deploy them as qualified Special Fire Police Officers, empowered to provide scene safety and traffic control, greatly increases the safety and well-being of our volunteer fire fighting force as well as the members of our community. I applaud their commitment and dedication to all of us,” said Alan Chalfin Twin Valley Fire Police Captain.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Jason Brooks who posted on the department’s website http://www.tvfd69.com/ on Nov. 3, “This past weekend, all active TVFD firefighters spent 16 hours at the firehouse completing a basic fire police course. After being sworn in by Elverson’s Mayor Bob Broderick and registering with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all members will now be able to assist the current fire police officers at emergency scenes.”
Two days of intense training administered by Bucks County Fire Academy had just ended at 3 p.m. in the classroom.
Mayor Broderick at 4 p.m. sharp welcomed the crowd and commenced with the swearing in ceremony administering the state oath to confer the office of Special Fire Police Officer onto the firefighters.
Along with the mayor, the official ceremony was attended by Berks County Fire Police Association Financial Secretary Peter Goda, Caernarvon Twp. Police Officer in charge Sgt. John Scalia, Rep. Tim Hennessey, Rep. Mark Gillen, Caernarvon Twp. Vice Chairman and Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Whiteman Jr., Corporal Joe Logic of Caernarvon Twp. Police , and Berks County Fire Police Association Recording Secretary Ron Waszk.
“The State of Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding Fire Police. When a fire call is dispatched from Chester County 911 it activates all volunteers’ pagers. In addition to the engines, an ambulance, and Fire Police Officers must be on the scene,” explained Fire Company President Bob Gebhardt.
Before Sunday there were only five official Fire Police for Twin Valley’s Department.
“The state requires special credentials for a Fire Police Officer. Knowing that is important that firemen understand what they go through on the scene I spoke with Alan Chalfin TV Fire Police Captain and made a decision to have all our firefighters trained and certified,” said Fireman Chief Tom Hornberger.
He added, “Public safety and traffic control is primary. The Fire Police Officers wear special vests, hats and ID badges. They are trained on the use of safety cones, radio equipment, and lights.”
In other news, Twin Valley Fire Department is raffling off a Harley Davidson motorcycle or the chance to win $1,000 as a fundraiser for the fire company. See the Harley at Walmart on Saturdays. See a member for tickets or contact info@tvfd69.com. Details and Photos http://www.tvfd69.com/content/fundraisers/.
“In 2006 the Elverson and Morgantown Fire Companies merged and incorporated as the Twin Valley Fire Company. At that time the philosophy changed and they no longer have a social hall for revenue generating. The continue their annual fund drive and present their budget to the surrounding seven townships that they serve,” said Gebhardt, a 31 year volunteer.
