Chester County Fire Chiefs Association

06/01/2026

Today, as many members of the Chester County fire service prepare to pay their final respects to Past Chief George Turner of the West Whiteland Fire Company who died in service just over one week ago, we also take time to remember the sacrifice of West Bradford Fire Co. Firefighter Everett Russell who lost his life in the Line of Duty on this date in 1954.

Firefighter Russell was reporting to the West Bradford fire station for a call when a terrible accident occurred. A responding fire truck collided head-on with Firefighter Russell’s vehicle just outside of the Village of Marshallton. Five firefighters were also injured in the tragedy; which occurred less than a year after the fire company was organized.

Though separated by more than seven decades, the losses of both Chief Turner and Firefighter Russell serve as solemn reminders that the dangers firefighters face can extend far beyond the emergency scene, including while responding to the call for help.

We will continue to remember Firefighter Russell’s sacrifice, and extend our thoughts and prayers to the families, friends, and fellow firefighters whose lives were forever changed by this incident.

05/29/2026

Last evening, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association attended the graduation ceremony for the Octorara School District's Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus, where four outstanding cadets were recognized with CCFCA scholarships for their dedication, achievement, and commitment to public service.

This unique educational program prepares students for future careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency medical services, emergency management, military service, and firefighting. As an approved Pennsylvania Department of Education Career Program of Study, the academy provides valuable hands-on training and career-focused education to students in grades 10 through 12 from school districts throughout Chester County.

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association extends its congratulations to all graduating cadets and wishes them continued success as they pursue careers dedicated to serving and protecting their communities.

05/25/2026

Today, as we reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day, we pause to remember Assistant Chief Roy A. Harris from the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company who died in the Line of Duty on this date in 1982.

Chief Harris was operating and re-filling a fire engine at a fire pond on Route 82 in the Village of Unionville when he was struck by a motorist. Three other Po-Mar-Lin firefighters were also injured in the collision.

A Chester County native, Chief Harris grew up in West Grove and had served our Country in Vietnam where he suffered serious injuries in an ambush. Living next door to the Unionville firehouse, he worked at Hewlett Packard in Avondale where he was also an Assistant Fire Chief for the company’s fire brigade.

While his death was tragic, his legacy has lived on throughout Chester County. Three of his nephews have since served in various County fire service leadership positions; including two Past Fire Chiefs of the West Grove Fire Company — Chief Robert Weer, Jr. and Chief Jeff Simpson; the latter of whom also served as Past President of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association; along with Past Chief John Weer of the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company — who is now our current Chief County Fire Marshal.

We will continue to acknowledge Chief Harris’ sacrifice, and we thank those dedicated members of his family who have continued to serve in his honor.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association honors and remembers the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy each day and their legacy will never be forgotten. We also remember the military families who continue to carry that sacrifice with strength and pride.

As communities gather this weekend, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Chief Turner was a legendary public servant in the West Whiteland community for decades. Please keep the Turner family and our colleagues at the West Whiteland Fire Company in your thoughts as they grieve from this immeasurable loss.

05/21/2026

Today, we pause to remember West Grove Firefighter Raymond Walker who died in the Line of Duty on May 21st, 1928.

On that fateful day, the West Grove Fire Company assisted the Avondale Fire Company at a building fire that consumed a grinding mill, lumber yard, and coal yard in the Village of Toughkenamon. During the fire, a chimney collapsed; killing Firefighter Walker instantly. Mr. Walker was 27 years old. The fire also injured two other firefighters: one from the Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford and a firefighter from Engine Company 8 from Wilmington, Delaware.

We will continue to pay our respects to those who have died in the Line of Duty in Chester County.

05/21/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association is proud to help spread the word about a great upcoming event supporting the family and legacy of Corporal Timothy O’Connor, and the Chester County Hero Fund.

Station 142, in conjunction with the Old Havana Cigar Company, is hosting a Rooftop Cigar Dinner on Sunday, May 31st from 5 PM to 8 PM in West Chester.

Guests will enjoy premium ci**rs, outstanding food, domestic drafts, select wines, Maker’s Mark, and incredible rooftop sunset views — all while supporting an important cause honoring Corporal Timothy O’Connor.

The evening includes three premium ci**rs and a full dinner buffet featuring coconut shrimp, jerk shrimp, jalapeño poppers, grilled chicken, Cajun pierogies, fries, salad, cookies, and more.

$100 per person
Proceeds benefit the Chester County Hero Fund in the name of Corporal Timothy O’Connor.

We encourage our members, supporters, and the public safety community to come out for a great evening and support this meaningful event.

For reservations, call (610) 620-5067

05/21/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association is proud to help spread the word about this great community event supporting the Chester County Hero Fund.

Join us for Heroes Night at Old Stone Cider on June 5th from 4 PM to 9 PM. Hosted by Old Stone Cider and generously supported by Ken Pitts - Advisors Mortgage Services, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, veterans, and active military members will receive a complimentary drink during the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Chester County Hero Fund and help continue supporting first responders and their families throughout Chester County.

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association encourages everyone to come out for a great evening of fellowship, community support, live music, and giving back to those who serve others every day. Families and leashed pets are welcome!

05/18/2026

We are grateful for all the dedicated and talented emergency medical personnel who serve Chester County each and every day!

We also thank Chester County EMS Council, Inc. for their continued partnership with us!

05/16/2026

If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather tomorrow, please consider supporting our friends at the Montgomery County Hero Fund for their 5th Annual Heroes Festival!

The Montgomery County Hero Fund continues to be a great partner for our Chester County first responders, and we’re glad to have them as our neighbors!!

☀️🎉 The weather is looking PERFECT for the Fifth Annual MontCo Heroes Festival, and we are getting ready for an incredible day packed with fun, entertainment, food, music, and community celebration! We’re expecting a HUGE crowd, so get ready for one of the best Hero Fests yet! 🇺🇸🚓🚒🚑

To make your arrival quick and easy, we strongly encourage everyone to grab tickets in advance and skip the long entry lines at the gate! 🎟️👇

Tickets available here: https://www.montgomerycountyherofund.org/hero-fest

Before you head out, here are a few quick tips:
🧴 Wear sunscreen and stay protected
🪑 Bring lawn chairs so you can kick back and enjoy the day
💧 Stay hydrated — we’ll have plenty of water available throughout the event
😄 Most importantly… come ready to have an AMAZING time with family and friends!

We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you and make this year’s Hero Fest the BIGGEST and BEST one yet!

See you there! 🎶☀️🎉