LOWER POTTSGROVE >> A lot of firefighters first pull on their bunker gear when they’re still in their teens. Not David Saylor Sr., who was initiated into the brotherhood of firefighters at the age of 41.
This was 22 years ago when his then-15-year-old son, David Saylor Jr., decided he wanted to become a junior firefighter, but only on the condition that his father also join up.
The younger Saylor had always been fascinated with fire trucks. Growing up in Pottstown Borough, he took every opportunity to walk around the corner from his home on North Charlotte Street to visit the North End Fire Company.
In 1992, when the Saylors, including mother and wife Cynthia, moved to Lower Pottsgrove Township, the younger Saylor decided to become a junior firefighter with Sanatoga Fire Company. The one stipulation: that his father join the company, too.
“I didn’t have any firefighting experience at all,” said David Saylor Sr. “I didn’t know if I could handle it.”
But when he applied for membership, he was welcomed with open arms.
“I was put at ease when I discovered there were other father-and-son duos. I was the oldest member at the time to go through the firefighting classes from square one, but I got through it fine,” recalled the 63-year-old Saylor.
In the 22 years that followed, firefighter David Saylor Sr. moved through the ranks to captain, assistant chief, deputy chief and, as of Jan. 1 of this year, chief.
Born and raised in Pottstown Borough, Saylor went through the Pottstown School District. Upon graduating in 1970, he enrolled at Montgomery County Community College where he majored in accounting. He then became employed with Mrs. Smith’s Pies in Pottstown for 25 years. Later, he took an accounting position with the finance department of Pottstown Borough.
Presently, Saylor works as security supervisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Lionville, Chester County. His shift, from 4 p.m. to midnight, frees him up to respond to daytime emergencies with Sanatoga FC.
One of his goals as chief is to purchase a command unit vehicle for use by the chief officers of his fire company. At the present time, the company has no official vehicle; he and other officers respond to fires in their own personal cars.
“I think all fire companies should have a chief’s vehicle in their fleet,” stated Saylor. Each would be equipped with axes, fire extinguisher, automated external defibrilator, helmet, coat and maps of homes and commercial establishments.
“They would be a tremendous asset to the community. A company officer could get to the scene quickly, size up the situation and start rendering immediate aid.”
Another one of Saylor’s goals is for Sanatoga to acquire updated equipment, including air packs, helmets, boots, jackets and, especially, communications equipment.
“These are big out-of- pocket expenses for a fire station, but right now we just don’t have the funds,” admitted Saylor.
To achieve his goals, the new chief hopes to obtain “free money” by way of local, state and federal grants – a process which, he acknowledges, is laborious and time-consuming.
“Writing a grant isn’t easy,” he pointed out. “In the letter of application you have to state what you want, why you want it, what purpose it will serve and how it will benefit the firefighters and the community. It’s a long process … and maybe your request will be granted, maybe not.”
