Remembering our Past, and Honoring those that forged the way
 
By President Raymond Stackhouse
January 8, 2013
 

During the Official Opening of the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus, on September 9 of 2012, time was taken to honor some special guests.

On February 14, 1924 the Chester County Fireman's Association was Chartered for the purpose of supporting and general improvement of the fire service throughout Chester County. Some of the direct descendants of those original Charter Members were on hand that day - Those being represented were; J. Bently McGowen, W.H. Keffer, William H. Moore and F. Roy Connell.


Then in 1971 the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association was formed to carry on the Mission and work as mediators between individual companies and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services. Originally 34 Fire Chiefs from around the County came together to form the organization, 10 of those survive today and were on hand at the event; Lonnie Brown, William R.L. Winters Sr., Horace G. Marsh Jr., Thomas R. Hess, Richard G. Dougherty Sr., Mancil E. Bradford Jr., Robert J. Hovanietz, Thomas B. Smiley, Frank X. Clarke and John Goodman.

Also in 1971, October 3, the Chester County Fire Board went into service as KJY 884. These yet again improving emergency services throughout the County, 4 of the original dispatchers were recognized; Charles L. Willis, Ronald P. Scott, David C. MacIntyre and Joseph LeBresco.

Celebrating 50 years of service in 1972, we also recognized Officers and Fire School Instructors of the Chester County Fireman's Association who were still active that year.

Finally, surviving Past President's and Officers of the Fireman's Association were recognized; Ronald P. Scott, George Hughes, Thomas E. Lee Jr., Fred Pettit Jr., Leon Willis and M. Lewis Gable.

As you review the pictures and story, please take time to remember the dedicated men that have made what we have as a fire service here in Chester County possible. Without the forethought and perseverance of these brave men we would not be where we are at today.

A special thanks to Ronald P. Scott for all his work. Without his assistance many of these men would have not been able to attend and be recognized.
 
Mutual Aid: All photos done by Visual Commuications Solutions LLC - www.vcs-photo.com
 
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Some of the direct descendants of those original Charter Members of the Chester County Fireman's Association; Joseph McGowen, Richard Keffer, Ann Moore Layfield (Daughter of William Moore) and Kerry Glenn (Grandson of Roy Connell).
Some of the direct descendants of those original Charter Members of the Chester County Fireman's Association; Joseph McGowen, Richard Keffer, Ann Moore Layfield (Daughter of William Moore) and Kerry Glenn (Grandson of Roy Connell).
 
Celebrating 50 years of service in 1972, we also recognized Officers and Fire School Instructors of the Chester County Fireman's Association who were still active that year.
Celebrating 50 years of service in 1972, we also recognized Officers and Fire School Instructors of the Chester County Fireman's Association who were still active that year.
4 of the original Chester County Fire Board dispatchers were recognized; Charles L. Willis, Ronald P. Scott, David C. MacIntyre and Joseph LeBresco.
4 of the original Chester County Fire Board dispatchers were recognized; Charles L. Willis, Ronald P. Scott, David C. MacIntyre and Joseph LeBresco.
 
Originally 34 Fire Chiefs from around the County came together to form the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, 10 of those survive today and were on hand at the event; Lonnie Brown, William R.L. Winters Sr., Horace G. Marsh Jr., Thomas R. Hess, Richard G. Dougherty Sr., Mancil E. Bradford Jr., Robert J. Hovanietz, Thomas B. Smiley, Frank X. Clarke and John Goodman.
Originally 34 Fire Chiefs from around the County came together to form the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, 10 of those survive today and were on hand at the event; Lonnie Brown, William R.L. Winters Sr., Horace G. Marsh Jr., Thomas R. Hess, Richard G. Dougherty Sr., Mancil E. Bradford Jr., Robert J. Hovanietz, Thomas B. Smiley, Frank X. Clarke and John Goodman.
Surviving Past President's and Officers of the Fireman's Association were recognized; Ronald P. Scott, George Hughes, Thomas E. Lee Jr., Fred Pettit Jr., Leon Willis and M. Lewis Gable.
Surviving Past President's and Officers of the Fireman's Association were recognized; Ronald P. Scott, George Hughes, Thomas E. Lee Jr., Fred Pettit Jr., Leon Willis and M. Lewis Gable.