| The Chester County Board of Commissioners formally proclaimed May 17–23, 2026 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, joined by EMS providers representing agencies from throughout the county. This annual observance recognizes the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and lifesaving service that EMS personnel provide to the residents and visitors of Chester County. The national theme for 2026, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” emphasizes the essential collaboration between EMS professionals, healthcare partners, and the broader community. It reflects the integration of compassionate care, advanced clinical capability, and coordinated response that defines the modern EMS system.
During the ceremony, the Commissioners acknowledged the EMS providers of the Westwood Fire Company, who were the first to arrive on the scene when Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr. tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 8, 2026. The proclamation included a solemn remembrance of Corporal O’Connor’s sacrifice and recognized the professionalism and composure demonstrated by the EMS personnel who responded to the incident.
Formal remarks were delivered by Chaz Brogan, EMS Chief and Executive Director of Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute and President of the Chester County EMS Council, Inc., and John Sly, President and EMS Administrator of the Westwood Fire Company and President of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association. Their statements underscored the critical role of EMS in public safety, the strength of interagency cooperation, and the enduring commitment of Chester County’s EMS professionals to those they serve. |
