BERWYN, PA - The Berwyn Fire Company was officially notified last week that the Company was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner for achieving water rescue team recertification through the Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition Program.

The Company was first recognized under this program in 2019 and is one of a few certified teams in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Volunteer and career staff rescuers continue to hone their skills and new personnel have also gone through rigorous water rescue training to maintain this certification. Each member of the rescue team is also trained in emergency medical care.

This program was developed through the collaboration of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to formally recognize those services that meet training, equipment and goals of the rescue program. The Berwyn Fire Company continues to be classified as a Swiftwater Rescue Type 3a Team. This is valid for three years at which time a re-inspection will occur.

The number of water rescues has become more common in the Tredyffrin-Easttown community due to storm water management issues, increased development and the increased frequency of significant rainstorms. In addition to the Glenhardie/Valley Forge Estates area where the majority of these concerns along Trout Creek occur, there are other sources of water, including Leopard Lake in Easttown and Valley Creek in Tredyffrin that require special equipment and training in the event of a rescue situation.

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 EMS and Rescue leadership for their guidance through the application and inspection process. 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%20Water%20Rescue%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.