BERWYN, PA - The Berwyn Fire Company received official notification this past week that the Company is now recognized as a Vehicle and Machinery Rescue - Operation Level unit through the Pennsylvania Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition (VRSR) program.

This is an upgrade in the VRSR program from the Vehicle and Machinery - Basic Level that was first achieved by the Company in 2019.

The Office of the State Fire Commissioner, the Bureau of EMS from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Rescue Task Force of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council created this special program.

It is the intent of this portion of the program to recognize emergency service organizations in vehicle and machinery rescue. This recognition not only takes into account the equipment and rescue hardware requirements of vehicle and machinery rescue, but includes minimum staffing, training and education requirements. The program follows standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association. Once an organization is recognized, it is valid for a three year period at which time a re-inspection would occur.

While Berwyn first responders are tasked to respond to fire and medical emergencies on a frequent basis, the need to be properly trained for rescue situations is critical. Due to highways like Rt. 202, Rt. 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike that carry heavy truck traffic in Berwyn's response area, having the proper training is essential to ensure successful rescue outcomes. The potential for train related incidents is also a hazard as SEPTA and Amtrak run through the Tredyffrin-Easttown community. Additionally, manufacturing facilities like Johnson Matthey and Wallquest on Devon Park Dr. in Tredyffrin Township present increased risks for confined space rescue and crush injury situations.

The volunteers and career staff of the Berwyn Fire Company are committed to training and keeping pace with the needs of the Tredyffrin-Easttown community. The health and welfare of the citizens Berwyn stands ready to serve is of utmost importance for every first responder at the Company.

Thank you to the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, especially the Rescue and EMS leadership for their guidance through the application and inspection process. And a special thanks to Berwyn Battalion Chief Evan Brazunas and Berwyn Captain Joshua Lichman for coordinating all the necessary documentation to achieve this recognition.

To learn more about what goes into obtaining this type of certification you can visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioner website at https://www.osfc.pa.gov/Certification%20Document%20Library/VRSR%20Vehicle%20and%20Machinery%20Guidelines.pdf

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The Berwyn Fire Company is a registered 501c3 non-profit combination organization that provides primary fire, EMS, and rescue services to the majority of Tredyffrin Township and Easttown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Berwyn Fire Company responds from two stations covering a population of 28,552 over 15.52 square miles. To learn more visit www.BerwynFireCo.org.