On Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 Past Fire Chief Robert P. Gathercole, Jr. passed away suddenly while vacationing with family in Ocean City, Maryland.

Chief Gathercole first served as Fire Chief of the Company from 1984-1988 and following a two year break, served again for ten consecutive terms from 1991-2000.

At the time of his passing, he was serving as a Safety Officer with our neighboring Keystone Valley Fire Department.

In addition to service with Westwood and Keystone Valley, he also volunteered with the Pomeroy Fire Company and the City of Coatesville Fire Department.

Chief Gathercole's wife, two sons, and daughter have also been involved in the volunteer emergency service field for many years.

Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.