COCHRANVILLE FIRE COMPANY
Members Attend Westwood Fire Company's Banquet
By: FireFighter Lena Stoltzfus
May 8th, 2009
Friday, May 8th, 2009, Cochranville Fire Company members attended the 62nd Annual Westwood
Fire Company banquet at the Coatesville Country Club. This banquet was to highlight events and
memories from the 2008 year.
Socializing began at 1800 hours, followed by the welcoming information by President Amer. She
led everyone in a prayer and saluting the flag. Tables were then dismissed for a buffet style dinner.
Deputy Chief Sly served as the Master of Ceremonies for the banquet presentations.
As dinner was concluding, a special presentation was given by Pennsylvania Senator John
Rafferty.
Following Senator Rafferty, the Valley Township Board of Supervisors asked if they could talk for
a few minutes. Along with doing so, they presented active firefighters, EMS personnel, fire police,
bingo workers and administrative staff members with certificates of appreciation.
Chief Mike McWilliams presented the 2008 fire fighter awards and thanked everyone for their time
and responses to over 300 fire/rescue responses.
Past EMS Chief Erin Biddle was then called up to present the 2008 EMS awards. She also thanked
everyone for their time and responses to over 700 incidents.
Fire Police Captain Bob Law came forward to present the 2008 Fire Police officer award.
The Joseph Sweigart Memorial Award was presented to Treasurer Hower “Bud” Smith, III.
In honor of their recent loss of Assistant Chief Chester A. “Chetty” Taylor, Jr, there is now the
“Chester A. Taylor Fire Chief’s Award.” The first recipient was chosen to be Firefighter/EMT
Robert Pacana.
After the awards presentations, EMS Chief Chris Biddle and EMT George Morris presented a slide
show which featured highlights from the 2008 year. Part way through the slide show, a memorial
tribute to Assistant Chief Taylor was featured. Many members were left speechless after viewing
the beautiful display of affection on the slideshow.
From Westwood's Website: "When Chief Taylor passed away, two of our mutual aid Fire
Companies went over and beyond the call of duty. While we received an enormous outpouring of
support from countless Fire and EMS companies throughout three Counties, two were seemingly
constant fixtures in our station for nearly two weeks. The Cochranville and Gordonville Fire
Company members were an unbelievable asset to our members and community during our
extremely difficult time. For their thanks, each Company was presented with a large plaque
featuring Chief Taylor's picture and a message for their members: "Presented in appreciation of
your support and friendship following the untimely passing of CHIEF CHESTER A. "CHETTY"
TAYLOR, JR. We will never forget the compassion displayed by your Company during our time of
loss and mourning. From the Officers and Members of the Westwood Fire Company, May 8th,
2009." A plaque was received by Cochranville Chief Simcox and Gordonville Past Chief Bowman
on behalf of their memberships.”
Deputy Chief Sly wrapped up the evening and left the Banquet Committee Chairman, Bob Law, to
give out door prises.
The night ended with dancing and more socializing.
Thank you to Photographer Mary Ann "Photodog" Kyte for some of your great pictures!
By: FireFighter Lena Stoltzfus
May 8th, 2009
Friday, May 8th, 2009, Cochranville Fire Company members attended the 62nd Annual Westwood
Fire Company banquet at the Coatesville Country Club. This banquet was to highlight events and
memories from the 2008 year.
Socializing began at 1800 hours, followed by the welcoming information by President Amer. She
led everyone in a prayer and saluting the flag. Tables were then dismissed for a buffet style dinner.
Deputy Chief Sly served as the Master of Ceremonies for the banquet presentations.
As dinner was concluding, a special presentation was given by Pennsylvania Senator John
Rafferty.
Following Senator Rafferty, the Valley Township Board of Supervisors asked if they could talk for
a few minutes. Along with doing so, they presented active firefighters, EMS personnel, fire police,
bingo workers and administrative staff members with certificates of appreciation.
Chief Mike McWilliams presented the 2008 fire fighter awards and thanked everyone for their time
and responses to over 300 fire/rescue responses.
Past EMS Chief Erin Biddle was then called up to present the 2008 EMS awards. She also thanked
everyone for their time and responses to over 700 incidents.
Fire Police Captain Bob Law came forward to present the 2008 Fire Police officer award.
The Joseph Sweigart Memorial Award was presented to Treasurer Hower “Bud” Smith, III.
In honor of their recent loss of Assistant Chief Chester A. “Chetty” Taylor, Jr, there is now the
“Chester A. Taylor Fire Chief’s Award.” The first recipient was chosen to be Firefighter/EMT
Robert Pacana.
After the awards presentations, EMS Chief Chris Biddle and EMT George Morris presented a slide
show which featured highlights from the 2008 year. Part way through the slide show, a memorial
tribute to Assistant Chief Taylor was featured. Many members were left speechless after viewing
the beautiful display of affection on the slideshow.
From Westwood's Website: "When Chief Taylor passed away, two of our mutual aid Fire
Companies went over and beyond the call of duty. While we received an enormous outpouring of
support from countless Fire and EMS companies throughout three Counties, two were seemingly
constant fixtures in our station for nearly two weeks. The Cochranville and Gordonville Fire
Company members were an unbelievable asset to our members and community during our
extremely difficult time. For their thanks, each Company was presented with a large plaque
featuring Chief Taylor's picture and a message for their members: "Presented in appreciation of
your support and friendship following the untimely passing of CHIEF CHESTER A. "CHETTY"
TAYLOR, JR. We will never forget the compassion displayed by your Company during our time of
loss and mourning. From the Officers and Members of the Westwood Fire Company, May 8th,
2009." A plaque was received by Cochranville Chief Simcox and Gordonville Past Chief Bowman
on behalf of their memberships.”
Deputy Chief Sly wrapped up the evening and left the Banquet Committee Chairman, Bob Law, to
give out door prises.
The night ended with dancing and more socializing.
Thank you to Photographer Mary Ann "Photodog" Kyte for some of your great pictures!
