BFC Honors Fallen Heroes
 
By Newsdesk
April 15, 2012
 

The Berwyn Fire Company attended two services for fallen firefighers in the line-of-duty this past weekend in Philadelphia and in West Chester.

Two firefighters were killed and two injured in a building collapse while battling a five-alarm fire at a factory, located at 1817 East York Street in the Kensington section of Philadelphia on Monday, April 9th. The fallen firefighters, identified as Lt. Robert Neary, 60, and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney, 25, were from Ladder 10, on Kensington and Castor Avenue.

Lt. Neary spent 38 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department. Prior to becoming a firefighter, he served for three years as a Philadelphia police officer and 10 years as an Army reservist. Lt. Neary was a husband and father of three. Firefighter Sweeney became a firefighter in 2006, following in the footsteps of his father, retired Captain David Sweeney.

Berwyn Fire Company Tower 2 formed a memorial arch with Cheltenham Hook & Ladder Company #1 Tower 4 along the funeral procession for Firefighter Sweeney.

Berwyn personnel also attended the In-The-Line-Of-Duty-Death Firefighter Plaque Dedication for the five Malvern firefighters killed on March 24, 1931. Killed that day were William Garrett, 20; Clifford Kilpatrick, 19; Clarence Gregg, 25; Clarence Matlack, 18; and Charles Henry Munch. About 1½ miles west of Malvern, the fire truck they were riding in, in response to a large field/brush fire, failed to negotiate a sharp curve and overturned, killing the five firefighters instantly and injuring 11 others.

District Judge John Bailey initiated the Chester County Hero Plaque Program several years ago while a Det. Sgt. with the Tredyffrin Police Department. It began by recognizing law enforcement officers killed in-the-line-of-duty and was done in partnership with the Chester County Hero Fund, the Chester County FOP, and the Chester County Commissioners.

The original program began in Philadelphia and continues to this day throughout the SE Region with the help of Jimmy Binns, its founder and long time supporter of police and firefighters.

Please keep these men and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
 
On March 24th, 1931 Malvern firefighters were traveling west on King Road to a large brush fire when the American LaFrance fire engine on which they were riding crashed at the sharp curve of Summit Road. Five men were killed and 11 injured.
On March 24th, 1931 Malvern firefighters were traveling west on King Road to a large brush fire when the American LaFrance fire engine on which they were riding crashed at the sharp curve of Summit Road. Five men were killed and 11 injured.
Congressman Jim Gerlach, 6th District, gives remarks during the ceremony outside the Old Historic Court House in downtown West Chester.
Congressman Jim Gerlach, 6th District, gives remarks during the ceremony outside the Old Historic Court House in downtown West Chester.
 
Malvern Chief Neil Vaughn recounts the tragic incident that took the lives of five Malvern firefighters.
Malvern Chief Neil Vaughn recounts the tragic incident that took the lives of five Malvern firefighters.
(L-R) Berwyn Deputy Chief Engineer David Warlick, Berwyn Assistant Chief Eamon Brazunas, Malvern Chief Neil Vaughn, & Chester County Hero Fund President John 'JD' DiBuonaventuro were among firefighters from several Chester County fire companies who attended the service in West Chester.
(L-R) Berwyn Deputy Chief Engineer David Warlick, Berwyn Assistant Chief Eamon Brazunas, Malvern Chief Neil Vaughn, & Chester County Hero Fund President John 'JD' DiBuonaventuro were among firefighters from several Chester County fire companies who attended the service in West Chester.
 
Berwyn Fire Company Tower 2 and Cheltenham Hook & Ladder Company #1 Tower 4 form a memorial arch in honor of Philadelphia Firefighter Daniel Sweeney.
Berwyn Fire Company Tower 2 and Cheltenham Hook & Ladder Company #1 Tower 4 form a memorial arch in honor of Philadelphia Firefighter Daniel Sweeney.
(L-R) Berwyn Chief Matthew Norris, Assistant Chief Justin Brundage, and FF/Medic Kevin Dillard stand at parade rest as the procession makes its way under the arch.
(L-R) Berwyn Chief Matthew Norris, Assistant Chief Justin Brundage, and FF/Medic Kevin Dillard stand at parade rest as the procession makes its way under the arch.
 
Aerial image from Action New Chopper 6 along the procession route.
Aerial image from Action New Chopper 6 along the procession route.
Visit www.iaff22.org to learn more about these two men and how you can help their families.
Visit www.iaff22.org to learn more about these two men and how you can help their families.