BERWYN, PA - The Berwyn Fire Company was recently 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 certification through the Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition Program. Over the past few years, a group of volunteer and career staff rescuers have gone through rigorous water rescue training. Each member of the rescue team is also trained in emergency medical care. Due to these efforts this certification was made possible for the first time in the history of the fire company.

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 is now classified as a Swiftwater Rescue Type 3a Team. This is valid for three years at which time a re-inspection would 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 we have seen the majority of these concerns along Trout Creek, 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 fire 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. And a special thanks to the members of the Gladwyne Fire Company and Fame Fire Company of West Chester for their advice and guidance. 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

-###-

The Berwyn Fire Company is a registered 501c3 non-profit combination organization that provides primary fire, EMS, and rescue services to 30,338 citizens between Tredyffrin Township and Easttown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. To learn more about the Company visit www.berwynfireco.org.