| PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday August 18, 2007 Chief Witowski and Deputy Chief Romig attended the 30th annual state EMS confrence awards dinner in Lancaster, Pa. This year the Twin Valley Fire Department is recieving a special accomendation, for the year 2007 the Twin Valley Fire Department was annouced that is was bestowed the honor of being the Rescue Service of the Year award for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. State EMS Director Joeseph Schmider was their to present them with the plauqe and the honnors. The awards are presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and PEHSC (Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council). Some of the other awards given are EMS Service of the Year, EMS provider of the year and several other prestigious awards to pre hospital providers.
The Twin Valley Fire Department was formed in 2006 but it is not new to the rescue service, a recent consolidation between the Friendship Fire Co of Morgantown and the Elverson Fire Company No. 1 brought these two neighboring fire companies together to form the Twin Valley Fire Department. The Friendship Fire Co. has been providing rescue services to the community since 1973. The officers of this organization have always encouraged their members to receive training, to date there is an active force of 43 firefighters with 33 being trained to Vehicle Rescue Technician, 24 members trained in agricultural rescue and 24 members trained in specialized vehicle rescue. Of the 43 Firefighters, fourteen are trained to the EMT-B level and another 19 trained to the emergency responder level. The company averages 20 extrications a year
The Twin Valley Fire Department is a main component in the community they participate in many community activities, recently the Twin Valley Fire Department raised almost $10,000.00 for the Race for the Cure for the American Cancer Society. In addition they actively participate with the local school and churches for annual fire prevention programs, and participate in community fairs and events.
The Twin Valley Fire Department constantly demonstrates a consistent pattern of rapid response times by having the rescue truck on the street within four minutes of the dispatch with an average crew staffing of six. Chief Witkowski encourages all of his members to train and complete advanced level certifications to further each person's knowledge and understanding of the equipment. With an active force of 43 firefighters with 33 being trained to Vehicle Rescue Technicians, 24 members trained in agricultural rescue and 24 members trained in specialized vehicle rescue. Of the 43 Firefighters, fourteen are trained to the EMT-B level and another 19 trained to the emergency responder level. Recently the Department was awarded with the 75% participating department certification from the State Fire Commissioners Office.
The Twin Valley Fire Department serves six municipalities with an area of about 45 square miles in three counties (Berks, Chester and Lancaster). The Department also covers 23 miles of the Pa Turnpike. The Department has a good working relationship with area Police, Fire and EMS organizations. The department works primarily with two BLS services and three ALS services, three Police departments and eight other fire companies.
Special thanks to John Trimble for his work in helping us receive this award.
Purpose of the Award
To honor a rescue service for their contribution to the development and growth of the provision of quality rescue services within their community.
Eligibility
Service participates in community oriented activities.
Service demonstrates a consistent pattern of rapid response times and staffing levels.
Service cooperates with surrounding public safety organizations.
Service emphasizes personnel training, continuing education, and professional development.
Any rescue service in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is eligible. |
