Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services, 2301 Monroe Avenue, West Lawn, PA (2026)

06/02/2026

Remembering Chief William "Bill" Rehr

The Reading and Berks County Fire Service has lost an icon. Retired Fire Chief William “Bill” Rehr III passed away over the weekend. He was 84 years young. To his family and friends, we at TSFRS express our deepest and affectionate condolences.

His life was the fire service. Joining as an Oakbrook Fire Co. volunteer in Reading in 1959, he also served with the Union and Schuylkill Fire Companies. After a stint in the US Army he continued to volunteer while employed at some very iconic Berks County institutions such as Berkshire Chemical, Car Tech and Boscov’s. He was the last full time chief officer appointed from the volunteer ranks and served as a Deputy Chief until being appointed as the Fire Chief in 1996. His success was an indication of the respect held by both career and volunteer ranks. Along his pathway, he also served as the first Berks County 911 Coordinator and President of the Reading Area Firefighters Museum, a position he occupied until his passing.

Chief Rehr served as a mentor and role model to many in the Reading/Berks firefighting community, whether he knew it or not. His calm presence and approachable, friendly demeanor made him a natural leader to which others gravitated.

He will be missed.

Rest easy. We’ll take it from here boss, and we’ll be taking you with us.

For more information on Chief Rehr, refer to the links below and check out the various Facebook postings in his honor.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/540/Remembering-Chief-William-Bill-Rehr-

05/30/2026

In Memoriam, Officer Kristen Yeager

It is with a profound sense of grief that members of TSFRS express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Kristen Yeager of the Central Berks Regional Police Department. Officer Yeager's End-Of-Watch occurred on Friday evening May 29 as she made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while responding to an emergency request from a neighboring police department. She leaves behind a husband and three children.

We also stand with our brothers and sisters of the Central Berks Regional Police and the entire law enforcement community to mourn her tragic death.

Rest in peace sister.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/539/In-Memoriam-Officer-Kristen-Yeager

05/27/2026

LODD Boston FD

TSFRS would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Boston Firefighter Robert Kilduff of Rescue Company 2, who was killed in the line of duty over the recent holiday weekend. FF Kilduff, a 3rd generation firefighter and 24-year veteran of the Department, fell from a third floor of a multifamily dwelling while performing firefighting operations on Saturday May 23. He leaves behind both children and grandchildren.

Our condolences also go out to his fire service family in Rescue 2 and throughout the Boston Fire Department.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/538/LODD-Boston-FD

05/25/2026

Memorial Day

TSFRS would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day Holiday.

TSFRS personnel were privileged to participate in the annual Wyomissing Hills Memorial Day Parade on Monday morning May 25. Despite a rain delay of two days, Rescue Engine 85 and Utility 85 were part of a procession that passed thru the Wyomissing Hills section of the Borough. Despite a cool and drizzly start, it started at the Wyo. Hills Elementary School and wound its way thru Wyomissing Hills Gardens and Wellington Downes neighborhoods, ending up at the Wyomissing Hills Memorial Park.

However, we also want to pause and remember the reason for the holiday. Many people only see the day as the unofficial start of summer---time for vacations, cookouts, parades, and all sorts of fun activities. Please bear in mind that Memorial Day is actually a time for honoring those who served our country during conflict and paid the ultimate price. It started after the Civil War and has continued to this day, paying homage to those who marched away from home but never returned. It something that, rather than being celebrated, calls for quiet reflection and gratitude.

So, as you celebrate the holiday, please also join us in celebrating the courage, honor and sacrifice on the part of the fallen and also those they left behind.

Don't forget to remember.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/537/Memorial-Day

05/23/2026

Monday Night Drill--May 18

Monday night's drill focused on initial training for our two newest intern/probies, Aiden Gerhart and Antony Argulles. The subject of this exercise was hydrant operations, starting from the ground up, literally. The two interns learned about how the water gets to the hydrant, how to get it out of the hydrant and how to move it to a point where it will be of use. This included opening and closing the hydrant, contents of the hydrant bag, the 4-way hydrant valve, 5" supply line, and Stortz connections among other things.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/536/Monday-Night-Drill--May-18

05/20/2026

Stay Safe When Grilling!

It's getting to be that time of the year when the thoughts of just about everybody turn to grilling something outside for dinner. Unfortunately, as yummy as this sounds, like all good things, it does carry some risks. According to our contacts at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 22000 injuries each year are attributed to grilling incidents.

So here are some things to consider, making sure that the only things that get flame-seared are the things you plan to eat!

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the gridirons and in trays below the grill.
• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Vinyl siding burns.
• Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Avoid clothing with hanging shirt tails, frills, long billowy sleeves, or dangling strings that easily meet scorching surfaces or open flames and catch fire.

For propane grills
• Check the gas tank and hoses for leaks before first use.
• Make sure that the tanks are in good condition, no dents, d***s or damage.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Confined fumes can explode.

For charcoal grills
• If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid --NEVER GASOLINE !!!
• Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely and then dispose of them in a metal container outdoors and away from the house. Believe it or not they can-- and frequently do-- re-ignite.

For more information on grilling safety also visit our friends at the NFPA and US Fire Administration at the links below.

Bon Appetit’ !

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/515/Stay-Safe-When-Grilling

05/19/2026

Mutual Aid House Fire, Cumru Twp

TSFRS Rescue Engine 85 responded to Acorn Drive in Cumru Twp on Saturday May 16. as part of a mutual aid structure fire assignment for a reported porch fire. Subsequent information from Communications reported possible entrapment which resulted in an upgraded assignment. Police arrived and reported a working fire, which was confirmed by Cumru Deputy 42 who reported a two-story twin with heavy fire showing from the front.

RE85 was the first engine to arrive and accordingly assumed first due engine responsibilities. Captain 85 did a further size up and reported smoke pushing from the eaves in the rear with all occupants stating everyone was out of both connected homes. RE85’s crew advanced an attack hose line and initiated a transitional attack from the front including a soffit sweep near the front door. Members then proceeded to the second floor and found additional fire on the 2nd floor. Cumru E42s crew then stretched an additional hose line from RE85 and completed the water supply. Personnel removed all ceiling in the front bedrooms and extinguished all remaining fire.

When this was accomplished, Command was so advised and the fire was placed under control with overhaul. RE85s crew continued to wet down hot spots after which they withdrew, secured all equipment and stood by until released by command.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/534/Mutual-Aid-House-Fire-Cumru-Twp

05/19/2026

Celebrate National EMS Week

Please join TSFRS in celebrating National EMS Week, 5/17-23. TSFRS operates a state certified QRS (Quick Response Service) for medical emergencies, in addition to our other services to the citizens of Spring Township. Also please join us in saluting our partners in this process, especially the personnel of the Western Berks Ambulance Assn. who provide the primary paramedic and basic life support transport service to the Township. We frequently respond alongside our EMS agency providers such as Western Berks to assist the paramedics and EMTs in providing lifesaving care during non-fire, medical emergencies.

All TSFRS career staff and many of our active volunteer firefighters are state certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Our vehicles are also certified with AEDs, oxygen, trauma kits and diagnostic gear among other tools to support the EMS providers or initiate immediate care in the event that our unit arrives first. This makes us a vital early link in the emergency care chain.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/535/Celebrate-National-EMS-Week

05/18/2026

Line of Duty Fatalities, Maine and Illinois

Firefighting operations always carry inherent risks to those engaged, whether performing actual emergency operations or practicing the skills required to do so. We were tragically reminded of this fact last week.

On Friday, May 15, Firefighter Andrew Cross from the Morrill, ME Volunteer Fire Department was killed in an explosion that occurred as he was fighting a lumber yard fire on a mutual aid assignment to a neighboring community. FF Cross was 27 years old and a three-year member of his department. The event, reportedly due to a combustible dust explosion, also severely injured ten other firefighters. As of Saturday night, they were listed in critical or serious condition with burns.

TSFRS would like to extend our sincere condolences on to the family of FF Cross, as well as his Morrill VFD fire service family. Our thoughts and prayers for strength, ease of suffering and quick recovery are also offered for the injured and their families.

The day before, on Thursday May 14, Firefighter Steven Decker, age 61 and serving with Engine Co. 71 of the Chicago Fire Department suffered a medical emergency and died despite immediate emergency care while training with his company. He was a 30-year veteran of the fire service and was planning on retiring this fall.

TSFRS would also like to express our condolences to FF Decker’s family and the Chicago fire service community on his passing.

Firefighters always operate in a dangerous environment, no matter where they are.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/533/Line-of-Duty-Fatalities-Maine-and-Illinois

05/18/2026

Structural Burn Session, Part 1

TSFRS conducted its first phase of our annual structural burn training from Wednesday May 13 thru Saturday May 16. The training was conducted in the burn building of the Berks County Fire Training Site. All interior-rated firefighters, both career and volunteer, are obligated to attend and participate in two burn sessions, one in the residential portion of the burn building and one in the commercial side. For the readers who are not familiar with this facility, we'll address that in another posting later.

Phase 1 involved the residential portion. The evolutions focused on coordinated hose line advancement and search in an environment that mimics the residential fire challenge posed by a row home, townhouse or semi-detached home, all of which are indicative of construction styles found in the region. Phase 2 on the commercial side will commence in September.

TSFRS members were joined in the sessions by personnel from the Wyomissing FD, Western Berks FD and the Cumru Township FD.

https://www.tsfrs.org/news/532/Structural-Burn-Session-Part-1

Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

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