http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/rss News articles published on westwoodfire.com using RSS 2.0 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:37:46 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=997 On Sunday, January 22, 2012, Rescue 44 was dispatched at 1119 to assist the Modena Fire Company at an accident with reported entrapment in the 300 block of Buck Run Road in East Fallowfield Township. Rescue 44 responded at 1125 with a full crew of eight personnel. Tac 44 also responded with additional manpower. Ambulance 44 was dispatched at 1127 to assist, along with Fire Police to assist with traffic control. Ambulance 44 and Traffic 44 both responded one minute after dispatch at 1128. Deputy Chief Deckman arrived on scene and established "Buck Run Command". Rescue 44 arrived on scene at 1134 and crews began extrication operations. The vehicle was stabilized using rescue struts. Rescue crews then utilized the Hurst "Jaws of Life" hydraulic rescue tools as well as and air chisel and sawzall to extricate the victim. The patients were extricated by rescue crews at 1157. One patient was transported by Modena Ambulance 37-2 and Medic 93 to Paoli Memorial Hospital. Ambulance 44 also transported one patient to Paoli Memorial Hospital. After a quick clean up, Rescue 44 cleared the scene along with Tac 44 and Traffic 44 at 1217. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:59:17 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=997 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=998 On Friday, January 20th, 2012 Chief McWilliams, Deputy Chief Deckman, and Battalion Chief Sly traveled to the 4 Guys Manufacturing facility in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania where our new Pumper/Tanker is being constructed. The purpose of this visit was to inspect the completed chassis of the vehicle and review final specifications of the unit in order to allow the factory to begin construction of the vehicle body. The morning began with the crew leaving Westwood at 0700 and arriving at the factory at 1045. After a quick light breakfast provided by 4 Guys, a tour of the factory was completed by our dealer Bob Purcel, showing us the various stages of vehicle production for several other fire vehicles in progress. As the tour concluded, the committee had the opportunity to see our new chassis in person for the first time. A general observation of the options and features specified in our order were reviewed. A short break was taken for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the factory to go over the full engineering specifications with Bill Scherer of 4 Guys Engineering. The committee took time to carefully review the drawings and specifications and clarify some questions by the engineering department. The vehicle will now enter the production schedule and is expected to be completed by May. The next visit will occur before the Pre-Paint phase and the committee will address further clarifications at that point of construction. The crew returned to Westwood by 1900. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:57:44 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=998 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=996 On Monday, January 16th, 2012 Engine 44-5 was requested in the early morning hours at 0441 by Lancaster County Wide Communications to transfer to the Christiana Fire Company in Lancaster County to cover while their units were operating at a two alarm house fire in Bart Township, Lancaster County. Fortunately, there were no incidents during the standby. and Engine 44-5 stood by at Christiana Station 5-2 for approximately two hours and returned to station at 0651. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:01:56 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=996 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=995 On Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 Engine 44-5 was requested to standby at the East Brandywine Fire Company while their members grieved and attended the services of Life Member Robert Zynn, Sr. Crews were on standby for approximately six hours along with neighbors from the Honey Brook Fire Company. Both companies covered one spill control incident during the standby. Our thoughts go out to East Brandywine Assistant Chief Zynn and his family for their loss. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:57:27 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=995 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=994 On Monday, January 9th, 2012 EMS Chief Sly and Fire Chief McWilliams visited the Braun Ambulance factory in Van Wert, Ohio where our new ambulance is being constructed. The visit began at 0930 and the Chiefs were met by Scott Wilcox, Regional Sales Manager at the Braun factory to see the ambulance as it enters the final week of production. The Ambulance is due to be completed on Thursday, January 12th and will be leaving the factory on Friday, January 13th to travel back to Pennsylvania to our local dealer. During the final week of production, many of the cosmetics and final pieces of construction are completed before underdoing the Quality Inspection to ensure the vehicle was completed as ordered. After spending several hours at the factory, only a few minor issues were discovered and will be rectified by the staff at Braun Industries prior to completion. Once the ambulance returns to Pennsylvania, it will receive a Pennsylvania registration and then be taken to have radio communications equipment installed and will receive all of our Westwood logos and lettering prior to being placed into service. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:20:14 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=994 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=993 On Saturday, January 7th, 2012 Ambulance 144 was dispatched at 1236 to assist the East Brandywine Fire Company for a reported house fire in the 100 block of Ednas Lane in West Brandywine Township. Initial calls to 911 indicated that a chimney fire had extended into the walls of the residence. Ambulance 144 responded at 1238. East Brandywine Chief Edwards arrived on the scene at 1242 and reported "smoke showing" from the exterior of the home and later confirmed a working fire in the walls. Glen Moore Chief Seese arrived on the scene one minute later at 1243 and established "Ednas Lane Command." Ambulance 144 arrived on the scene and was instructed to park in the long driveway lane leading to the residence. As East Brandywine Ladder 49 was quickly approaching the scene behind the ambulance, the ambulance crew swiftly diverted off of the driveway to make way for incoming fire apparatus. EMTs from Ambulance 144 set up a rehabilitation area providing refreshments to firefighters on the scene. Ambulance 144 was one of five emergency vehicles which became disabled at the scene due to soft grounds which caused the apparatus to be stuck. For this reason, an additional ambulance from the Minquas Fire Company was dispatched to the scene to ensure transport capabilities were available should a firefighter become injured. Fire crews from East Brandywine, Glen Moore, and Honey Brook Companies, along with the Twin Valley Fire Department worked to quickly bring the fire under control at 1311. Crews remained on the scene until 1525 while Fling's Towing removed the stuck vehicles from the scene. Special thanks to Daryl Fling and his crews for a prompt response to ensure our apparatus was safely removed. Ambulance 144 was available at 1525. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:26:42 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=993 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=992 On Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 the Fire Company received official notification from the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner's Office that two more grants have been awarded to our organization totaling $19,377.12 through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Under the grant program, $22 million will be allocated for Pennsylvania fire companies and $3 million for ambulance service units. More than 2,500 volunteer organizations took advantage of the $25 million program this year. The Westwood Fire Company was awarded $13,697.51 for our Fire Grant and $5,679.61 for our Ambulance Grant. The Fire Grant will go towards the purchase of our new Ambulance and turnout gear. The Ambulance Division grant will also pay for a portion of the cost of our new Ambulance. The base award amount this year to a Fire Company was $9,500. However, additional funds were granted to Fire Companies who had Nationally Certified firefighters on their roster. For this, we received $4,197.51 in bonus funds for our training levels. This grant program is a great asset to all Fire and Ambulance companies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we would like to thank State Fire Commissioner Mann and his staff for their assistance in providing this program annually to our volunteers. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:53:39 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=992 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=991 On Saturday, December 31st, 2011 the Company held a special New Years Eve Bingo in place of our usual weekly Saturday Night Bingo. More than 130 people came to play and ring in the New Year with us at the firehouse. Players had a chance to win all cash prizes, while enjoying food prepared by our volunteers in the kitchen. Each player was also given free party favors. Everyone celebrated the end of 2011 and start of 2012 along while the ball dropped in New York City by watching live on TVs in the bingo hall. Many of our firefighters and volunteer workers spent their New Years Eve at the firehouse working to raise our much needed funding. Happy New Year! Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:53:38 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=991 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=990 On Thursday, December 29th, 2011 a group of our Active EMS providers and Emergency Medical Technicians gathered at the firehouse for a training session on our new medical trip reporting software which our Company will be migrating to effective January 1, 2012. All ambulance services and medical personnel are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to complete a patient care report for each call we are dispatched to. We currently utilize a program called "EMMA" provided by the Allegheny R&D Company. Sadly, last year the developer of this program passed away and the EMMA program is no longer being offered as functional software. The Chester County EMS Council researched various replacement vendors and ultimately selected EMSCharts.com to provide the new trip reporting software. Unlike EMMA, this is a webbased program which allows for some additional flexibility and functionality for trip reporting. It also decreases the amount of paper we utilize and maximizes the efficiency for our trips to be sent to our billing agency, Regional EMS Council, and Department of Health. EMS Lieutenant McGinn and Firefighter/EMT Kennedy attended both an online and classroom training session which was conducted at the Chester County Government Services Center in West Chester two days prior to this class at our station. This allowed them to provide our personnel with the necessary training in order to understand the operation of EMSCharts.com. All of our EMS crews at the Westwood station will begin to utilize this software effective January 1st, 2012. Crews at the Wagontown station will begin to utilize the program shortly after the new year. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:53:29 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=990 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=989 On Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 additional photos were received from the factory where our new Ambulance is being constructed. The photos were provided by Braun Ambulance in Van Wert, Ohio who was selected as the manufacturer for our new ambulance. The ambulance being built will be a 2012 Ford E-450 Braun Chief XL Type III Basic Life Support unit. This vehicle was purchased due to the expansion of our ambulance service coverage area to now include West Caln Township, West Brandywine Township, and portions of Wallace and East Brandywine Townships. Westwood Ambulance also continues to service Valley Township and a portion of East Fallowfield Township. The total coverage area for Westwood EMS now expands to 51 square miles and more than 28,800 residents. Members of our Ambulance Specification Committee plan to travel to the factory the week of January 9th, 2012 to make a final inspection on the new unit before it returns home to Pennsylvania. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:53:21 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=989 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=988 On Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched at 1306 to the Westbound Route 30 Bypass West of Airport Road for a reported auto accident. Calls to 911 indicated that a vehicle traveling in the Westbound lanes had veered off the travel lanes and struck an unoccupied disabled vehicle on the shoulder of the road. Battalion Chief Sly arrived on the scene at 1312 and confirmed the reports, with one patient needing medical attention for lacerations sustained in the accident. Ambulance 44 arrived on the scene and began to treat the driver of the vehicle and Rescue 44 arrived on the scene and blocked one lane of the highway for the protection of EMS crews on the scene. Ambulance 44 transported one patient to Brandywine Hospital at 1327. Rescue 44 and Fire Police cleared the scene at 1338. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:53:13 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=988 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=987 On Friday, December 16th, 2011 Ambulance 44 and Ambulance 144 were dispatched at 1236 as the 3rd and 4th ambulances needed at a serious auto accident on Route 30 just West of Old Wilmington Road in Sadsbury Township. Both Ambulance 44 and Ambulance 144 responded in less than one minute. Ambulance 44 arrived on the scene and was directed by Sadsburyville Fire and mutual aid EMS crews to treat and transport two injured occupants of one of the vehicles involved. Ambulance 144 arrived on the scene and was directed to evaluate an occupant of a UPS delivery truck who sustained a hand injury. Both EMS crews worked quickly with neighboring agencies to treat and transport a total of 5 patients to area hospitals. Ambulance 144 transported one patient to Brandywine Hospital at 1249 followed quickly by Ambulance 44, transported two patients along with Minquas Medic 46-1 to Brandywine Hospital at 1254. Both Ambulances were available by 1322. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:53:03 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=987 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=986 On Thursday, December 15th, 2011 Ambulance 144 was dispatched at 2247 along with units from the East Brandywine Fire Company, Coatesville VA Hospital Fire Department, Thorndale Fire Company, Wagontown Fire Company, Martin's Corner Fire Company, and Honey Brook Fire Company to the unit block of Ashberry Lane in West Brandywine Township for a report of a house on fire. Initial calls to 911 indicated that smoke was filling the master bathroom, possibly from a fire in the attic. Follow up information then noted a minimum of 3 people who sustained smoke inhalation inside the home. Due to this information, Medic 93 was dispatched to assist and Chief McWilliams and Battalion Chief Sly responded to assist EMS units on the scene. Ambulance 144 arrived on the scene at 2259 and began to evaluate the patients on the scene along with Medic 93-1. The fire was quickly contained by fire crews from East Brandywine Fire Company and surrounding mutual aid agencies with minimal damage to the home. It was determined that the homeowner needed to seek medical attention due to a significant amount of smoke inhalation. Ambulance 144 transported one patient at 2325 to Brandywine Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Ambulance 144 cleared the hospital at 2346 and returned to quarters in Wagontown. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:52:55 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=986 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=985 On Monday, December 12th, 2011 the chassis for our new 2012 Pumper/Tanker arrived at the 4 Guys Manufacturing facility in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The chassis was manufactured by Spartan Motors in Charlotte, Michigan throughout the past three months. Now that the chassis has been delivered to the body manufacturer, the process of completing the truck will begin. The apparatus committee will travel to the factory in the coming weeks for a pre-construction meeting to ensure all of the specifications are as expected. Please check back for further updates. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:00:26 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=985 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=984 On Saturday, December 10th, 2011 less than a half hour after units cleared from the previous kitchen fire call, Engine 44-5 was dispatched at 1850 to assist the Modena Fire Company for a fire alarm activation in the 800 block of Doe Run Road in East Fallowfield Township. Deputy Chief Deckman was the first to arrive on the scene at 1857 and noted nothing visible showing from the exterior of the home. While conducting a walk around of the home, Deputy Chief Deckman detected an odor of something burning and a slight haze visible through the windows. Modena Chief Perine arrived on the scene and requested an immediate response from the East Fallowfield Police Department, as forced entry would be required due to no residents being home. Just as firefighters were preparing to gain entry, the homeowner returned home following a notification from the alarm company that there was an activation. As firefighters entered the home, a significant amount of smoke was emanating from the kitchen. A quick investigation determined that unattended cooking was the cause of the alarm system activation. Firefighters from Modena and Westwood set up fans to ventilate smoke from the home. Following the ventilation process, all units cleared the scene at 1926. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:53:59 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=984 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=983 On Saturday, December 10th, 2011 the Westwood Fire Company, Pomeroy Fire Company, and one Engine from the Sadsburyville Fire Company were dispatched at 1751 to the unit block of Danielle Lane in the Springbrook Village Development in Valley Township for a reported house fire. Deputy Chief Deckman responded and was advised by the Chester County 911 Center that calls to 911 from concerned neighbors indicated windows of a home being "blacked out" with a strong odor of smoke in the area. Sadsburyville Deputy Chief Supplee arrived on the scene and confirmed a kitchen fire which had been contained and suppressed by the homeowner. The Pomeroy and Sadsburyville units were cancelled and the response was held to Westwood units to proceed in and check the walls for any potential unseen fire extension. Engine 44-5 arrived on the scene at 1759 and firefighters checked the ceiling and walls around the fire area and confirmed that the fire was out. EMS personnel checked on the homeowner for smoke inhalation and injuries. After a brief investigation, all units cleared the scene at 1822. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:53:02 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=983 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=982 On Thursday, December 8th, 2011 the Fire Company held our annual holiday dinner before our regular monthly Company business meeting and elected our Company Officers for 2012. A delicious dinner was prepared by several of our Active crewmembers before the meeting for all in attendance. Following dinner, we held our regular monthly meeting to conduct the business of the Company. During the meeting, we held our election of officers for the upcoming year. The following officers were elected for 2012: PRESIDENT - Jason Fryberger VICE PRESIDENT - George "Otis" Morris RECORDING SECRETARY - Jen Devine MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - Rick Axe FINANCIAL SECRETARY - Amber Davis TREASURER - Hower "Bud" Smith, III CHAPLAIN - Kathy Amer TRUSTEE - Dave Boohar FIRE CHIEF - Michael McWilliams EMS CHIEF - John Sly FIRE POLICE CAPTAIN - Dave Leary The Fire Chief, EMS Chief, and Fire Police Captain will appoint their chosen members to serve as line officers for 2012. Also of note, this was the final meeting presided by our current President, Kathy Amer. Kathy has been President of the Fire Company for the past ten years and has helped guide the Company through our many advancements over the past decade. This year, she has decided to step down as President. Kathy will still maintain a position on the Executive Board as the Chaplain of the Fire Company. Thanks to Kate for all of her support and guidance as our President! We would like to thank all of our members for another great year and we look forward to another safe and successful year for 2012. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:12:42 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=982 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=980 On Sunday, December 4th, 2011 several Executive Board members of the Westwood Fire Company and the Board of Supervisors of Valley Township met at the Westwood Fire Company for dinner and a presentation given by the Fire Company. The purpose of this evening was to educate our Community leaders about the involvement and responsibilities of the Fire Company, as well as addressing our immediate financial concerns and our future needs. This has become an annual meeting which has allowed the Township leaders and the Fire Company to maintain a positive line of communication. As we look forward to 2012, we compiled our budgetary information and presented it to the Supervisors following dinner. Much like the past few years, our financial status has seen a significant impact due to the current economy. A great portion of our annual operating budget is derived by fundraising activities and donations. Donations have decreased and our fundraising efforts have proven to be less fruitful than previous years. The costs to operate the fire company have gone up significantly over the years, and while call volumes continue to rise, funding continues to decrease. This presents a serious safety concern for the community. At the beginning of 2010, the Board of Supervisors faced a difficult decision, however agreed to levy a tax increase which was utilized to assist the Fire Company in adding our first career staff and to assist in purchasing a new Pumper/Tanker to replace our 21 year old current vehicle. Both of these projects are in full swing and we expect delivery of our new Pumper/Tanker later in the around April of 2012. In 2012, there will be a new Township Supervisor coming to the Board and we were pleased to be able to inform incoming Supervisor Kathy O'Doherty about the operations of the Fire Company. It was another positive evening for both the fire company and Township Supervisors, and we hope to continue the great relationship we have established with our municipal leaders. A special thank you to the Valley Township Board of Supervisors who took time out of their schedules to attend this very important evening and for their continued support of the Westwood Fire Company. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:05:04 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=980 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=979 On Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 the Westwood Fire Company along with many other outside agencies spread the Christmas cheer throughout the Coatesville area by participating in the Annual Coatesville Christmas Parade. Engine 44-2, ATV44, Ambulance 44, Rescue 44, and Traffic 44 were all in attendance at this year's parade. Fire apparatus lined up on South First Avenue in Coatesville and lead the parade through the East end of town prior to all of the various floats, marching bands, antique vehicles, and specialized groups. The Coatesville Christmas Parade is one of the largest parades in Chester County, which marches down Lincoln Highway in Coatesville City. Each year, various participants include the Classic Rock Squad, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, sports team mascots, Mummers string bands, school groups, community groups, antique, classic and modified automobiles, and police and fire apparatus. All groups march the 1.5 mile parade route kicking off the holiday season and escorting Santa into town. Special thank you goes out to the Coatesville Christmas Parade Committee for continuing to uphold this special event each year. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:04:58 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=979 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=978 On Monday, November 21st, 2011 photos were received from the factory where our new Ambulance is being constructed. The photos were provided by Braun Ambulance in Van Wert, Ohio who was selected as the manufacturer for our new ambulance. The ambulance being built will be a 2012 Ford E-450 Braun Chief XL Type III Basic Life Support unit. This vehicle was purchased due to the expansion of our ambulance service coverage area to now include West Caln Township, West Brandywine Township, and portions of Wallace and East Brandywine Townships. Westwood Ambulance also continues to service Valley Township and a portion of East Fallowfield Township. The total coverage area for Westwood EMS now expands to 51 square miles and more than 28,800 residents. Our new ambulance is scheduled to be completed in January. Please check back for further progress updates. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:48 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=978 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=977 On Saturday, November 19th, 2011 the Chester County Department of Emergency Services once again held the Emergency Medical Technician Training Class "Rescue Day" at the Westwood Fire Company. The training started with students reviewing the Rescue equipment in the morning and practicing rapid extrication, and patient packaging. The simulated rescue scenarios began after lunch. This was done with members of Westwood, Wagontown and Sadsburyville Fire Companies doing the rescue portion of the class. Donated vehicles were "damaged" and rescuers and EMT students simulated victim removal from auto accident scenes. The goal was to orient the students with life-like scenarios that they will encounter as EMTs. The class was very informative to all students involved. The Westwood Fire Company would like to thank Chester County EMS Coordinator Rob Linnenbaugh for involving us in the class. Also thanks to the Wagontown and Sadsburyville Fire Companies for their assistance. We would like to wish all students the best of luck with the rest of their class and their EMS careers! Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:31 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=977 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=976 On Saturday, November 19th, 2011 the Westwood Fire Company was invited by the Valley Township Board of Supervisors to attend the building dedication of the new Township Maintenance facility. The building was the first phase of the municipal complex, which is being built in the 1100 block of West Lincoln Highway. The use of the building is to house the road crew vehicles and equipment. This is the alternative to the previous situation of vehicles being exposed to the elements. This also helps extend the life and protects the investment of the vehicles, which are provided by tax dollars. The day was started by Valley Supervisor Chairwomen Patrice Proctor, who spoke of what the purpose of the building was and thanked all those involved with the progression of the project. All Valley Township Supervisors, Administrators, and Road Crew Foreman Phillips cut the ribbon at the entrance of the garage following a prayer conducted by Supervisor Walter Johnson. Special guests included the builder and a County Commissioner Ryan Costello. Lunch was provided to all who attended and the building was opened for public viewing. The Westwood Fire Company would like to thank the Valley Supervisors for the invitation and wish them the best of luck with the rest of the project for the new municipal complex. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:39 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=976 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=975 On Tuesday, November 15th, the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched at 2013 to the 1000 block of Lincoln Highway for an auto accident with unknown injuries. Rescue 44, Ambulance 44, and Traffic 44 all responded within minutes of dispatch. Crews arrived to find two vehicles involved in the crash. Ambulance 44 transported one patient to Brandywine Hospital. Rescue 44 provided lighting and did a quick cleanup of debris in the roadway. Traffic 44 and Fire Police assisted the Valley Township Police Department with traffic control at the incident. All units cleared the scene at 2050. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:24 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=975 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=974 On Monday, November 14th, 2011 the Westwood Fire Company was dispatched at 1215 to the unit block of Grove Avenue for a smoke investigation. Information given by the Chester County 911 Center was "smoke coming from the basement". Rescue 44 and Ambulance 44 both responded within minutes of dispatch. Upon arrival, the Rescue crew quickly determined the source of the smoke to be coming from the furnace. Crews disconnected power to the furnace and set up negative pressure ventilation to clear the smoke from the residence. After quick ventilation and clean-up, all units cleared the scene at 1238. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:50:15 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=974 http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=973 On Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 Ambulance 44, Medic 93, and Sadsburyville QRS 31 were dispatched at 1045 to the intersection of Old Wilmington Road and Northwood Drive in West Caln Township for a medical emergency reported in the woods. Ambulance 44 was dispatched covering Ambulance 144 which was handling a residential rescue in another part of West Caln Township at the time of dispatch. Ambulance 44 responded at 1048 and was advised by the Chester County 911 Center that the exact location of the patient was unknown due to this incident being well off the roadway. The closest location that could be determined was between Northwood Drive and Skiles Road. Battalion Chief Sly and Fire Police Lieutenant Pilotti arrived in the area at 1050 and were unable to locate any signs of a patient or bystanders in the immediate area. Battalion Chief Sly proceeded to the end of Northwood Drive at Debbie Drive to check the entrance to the Sadsbury Woods Preserve, a small walking trail. Battalion Chief Sly met a walker who was exiting the woods advising that the patient was located approximately 3/4 of a mile to 1 mile into the woods. Battalion Chief Sly immediately requested ATV44 to be dispatched to the scene along with Wagontown Squad 35 for additional manpower. Ambulance 144 was clearing from their previous incident and responded to assist. Ambulance 44 arrived on the scene along with Sadsburyville QRS Lieutenant Audette and began to hike into the woods to access the patient. Crews from the West Caln Township Road Department also responded to the scene to lend a hand. The Roads Department immediately began to remove trees and rocks from the entrance of the trail to provide the ATV immediate access. Wagontown units also arrived on the scene and began the hike in to assist EMS crews. Chief 44 arrived with ATV44 at 1123 and gained immediate access to the woods and arrived at the patient at 1138. EMS crews by foot had been treating the patient for approximately 15 minutes until the ATV could arrive for transport. EMS crews packaged the patient onto a long spine board for immobilization and loaded the patient onto the Fire/Rescue skid unit on board ATV44. Chief McWilliams surveyed the quickest means of egress from the woods by foot and determined that access to Skiles Road would be more expeditious than following the trail. West Caln Township Codes Enforcement Officer Vaughn was assisting at the Command Post and relocated Ambulance 144 to a farm along Skiles Road to meet the ATV as they exited the woods. The patient was safely removed from the woods at 1157. Crews quickly transferred the patient into Ambulance 144 for transport. Ambulance 144 and Medic 93-2 transported the patient to Paoli Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment at 1208. All remaining units cleared the scene at 1210. Special thanks to the West Caln Township Road Crew and Wagontown firefighters for assistance at the scene providing for a successful rescue. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:21:20 GMT http://www.westwoodfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=973