On Wednesday evening, the East Brandywine Fire Company held its annual Officers Installation Ceremony at the Applecross Country Club Banquet Room. Approximately 150 people were in attendance, including EBFC members and several distinguished guests: State Representative Danielle Friel Otten; Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe; East Brandywine Township Chief of Police Jeff Yankanich; West Brandywine Police Chief Jeff Kimes; West Whiteland Fire Chief Kevin Miller; East Brandywine Township Supervisors Kyle Scribner and Emily Keller; West Brandywine Township Supervisors Ryan McLaughlin, Carole Chappelle, and Joe Edwards; and East Brandywine Township Manager Luke Reven.

The evening began with appetizers and cocktails, followed by dinner for all in attendance, before transitioning into the ceremony in the main banquet room. John Edwards opened the program with welcome remarks and introductions, followed by a moment of remembrance for Asa J. “Skip” Vanlew Jr., who passed away in 2025. Skip was an integral part of EBFC and served as one of our primary drivers for many years. He will be deeply missed by all.

The program continued with reflections on how EBFC continues to advance in an ever-changing fire service landscape to better protect residents both within and beyond our primary coverage area. In 2025, Rescue 49 was delivered and placed into service, and just prior to the ceremony, Engine 49-1, our newest apparatus, arrived at the station and is currently being prepared for service in the coming weeks.

Throughout 2025, EBFC members, operational officers, and executive officers accomplished a great deal. Training initiatives included vehicle rescue, rope rescue, ladder and engine operations, roof operations, and more. The company also received a health and safety grant that was used to enhance our Fitness & Wellness Program. Additionally, EBFC welcomed 16 new members in 2025 and continues to accept applications each month.

In total, EBFC responded to 810 calls in 2025 — 455 fire calls and 355 QRS calls — accounting for 2,288 hours of volunteer service. Nineteen volunteers responded to more than 100 fire calls, seven volunteers responded to more than 50 medical calls, and 25 members responded to more than 100 calls overall.

The ceremony then moved to the recognition of Vince D’Amico, who served as Fire Chief from 2018 through 2025. Each guest speaker took time to acknowledge Chief D’Amico’s leadership and accomplishments during his tenure. To conclude the recognition, Vince’s father, Clem D’Amico, spoke about his son and his journey through the fire service. Vince was presented with several gifts from the fire company, with the assistance of his wife, Stephanie, and their two children.

Chief D’Amico then addressed the audience and formally passed the role of Fire Chief to Sergio Ora, who previously served as Deputy Chief. The 2026 Executive Officers were announced, followed by recognition of John Edwards, who served as Company President from 2018 through 2025. Chief Ora then introduced the 2026 Operational Officers, and the ceremony concluded with the premiere of the 2025 End-of-Year Video.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended, along with our guest speakers, for helping us reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and usher in a new year at the East Brandywine Fire Company.