| As we close out 2011 we thought it was appropriate to reflect on this years accomplishments.
All to often organizations don't take a moment to celebrate their successes; instead they tend to focus only on their shortcomings.
Although East Brandywine Fire Company has had a couple of bumps in the road this year, our successes far out weigh our failures.
Our main goal through out 2011 was to deliver high quality emergency services, while continuing our community outreach and constructing a sustainable plan for the future.
By all accounts we exceeded these expectations! The following are some of our highlights.
The Executive Committee led by President Marc Crusemire has worked tirelessly to develop a budget and future needs assessment to ensure that East Brandywine Fire Company can continue function and provide high quality services. This project has been undertaken in conjunction with Volunteer Financial Services Inc.. We are currently working with the leadership of the various Townships to help us achieve this goal.
Our Building Committee led by Deputy Chief Jim Witmer and Captain Bill Rees has developed preliminary plans and architectural renderings for a Station renovation. Although this project is in its infancy, the excitement is palpable regarding its impact. Not only would the renovation improve the firehouse quality of life, it would also serve as the cornerstone for the Village.
Our Truck Committee led by Assistant Chief Bobby Zynn developed and finalized specifications for a new Pumper/Tanker. Foley Fire Apparatus was awarded the bid for a Seagrave. This Custom Fire Truck will have a six-man cab, 2,000 gpm pump, and 2,500 gallons of water. We are all looking forward to delivery sometime this coming summer.
Our Quality of Service Committee led by Chief Joe Edwards and Battalion Chief Mikey Conlin has worked closely with Glen Moore Fire Company to continue our collegial relationship. In the near future exciting news regarding the companies' relationship will be forthcoming.
Our community outreach has been unsurpassed! This past year the Volunteers at East Brandywine have accomplished the following:
Held the most successful Kids Festival to date. Nearly 1,500 children attended the event. Also the addition of the evening fireworks and beach party were a huge success.
Once again we served over 1,000 meals at our annual Chicken BBQ. Vice President John Williams led this event. According to most guests, it's the best Chicken they have ever tasted.
Helped 15 children celebrate their birthday by hosting their individual parties in the Engine Room. This is yet another way volunteers on a Saturday or Sunday give of their time to fundraise and met the community. This project is spearheaded by Chief Edwards.
Visited 4 Elementary Schools and 3 Nursery Schools during fire prevention week. This year Freddie and Sparky shared their fire prevention message with well over 2,000 kids.
Hosted yet another successful Open House. East Brandywine volunteers love to open their doors to showcase the station. This year we played host to nearly 500 people. We honestly believe this is the communities station not ours.
Provided a lecture on the "State of the Volunteer Fire Service" for Olivet United Methodist Church.
Thanks to Leslie Edwards, Kelly Zynn, and Caitlin Thomas, our Breakfast Santa was a hit! Not only did attendees get served a great breakfast, but every child left with a small gift. This event continues under their guidance to be free of charge!
Lieutenant Adam Edwards interviewed and was accepted as a member of HazMat 15
Firefighter Corey Mortzfield and Robbie Miller successfully tested on the Engine and are our newest Engineers
One of our newest members, Colin Miller completed EMT training and successfully passed his State Exam.
Firefighter Mike McGann and Firefighter Adam Saylor became Vehicle Rescue Technicians.
Once again our main driver Asa "Skip" Vanlew blew away the competition making an unsurpassed 90% of the calls.
Fire Police Lieutenant Jim Mostyn successfully ran Fire Police Operations when unexpectedly Fire Police Captain Mike Whiteman suffered a stroke.
And Lastly special thanks to Luke and Jake Herring and their Mom Nan for keeping the fire station so clean! And also special year end thanks to John Needles for having his company Sovereign Yards cute the grass for free all year. Lastly a big thank-you to John Spencer who once again served as the Firehouse Chef!
In closing we are looking forward to a great 2012! We would like to thank everyone who has helped make this year a success. |
