When residents of Newtown Township call for emergency help, they expect a timely response from a highly-trained team of people dedicated to protecting our community. Newtown Square is very fortunate to have just that. But many residents may not know that many of these Firefighters and Ambulance EMTs are not paid for their brave and selfless acts. In fact, the Newtown Square Fire Company is almost entirely operated by volunteers.
Beyond the first responders you see on the scene is a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds necessary to operate an organization that serves and protects our community and responds to over 750 calls yearly. From ensuring our firefighters have the best training, gear and equipment to providing home-cooked meals and a clean, comfortable place to rest while on call, these company volunteers and elected officers are also worthy of our appreciation.
Today, we introduce you to three of our Newtown Square Fire Company’s (NSFC) Elected Executive Officers: President Christina Heffernan, 1st Vice President Heather Robinson and 2nd Vice President Megan Welch.
Christina Heffernan, President
Christina’s dedication and service to our community began in 1991. “I grew up in Newtown Square and lived next door to Chris Hope, who was a volunteer firefighter who inspired me,” she said. “Also, when I was six years old, we had a fire in my family’s home, and the NSFC’s quick response literally saved our house.” Christina said she joined the fire company at 19 years old while an engineering major at Villanova. She enjoyed running with the ambulance crew, so she became an EMT. That volunteer experience convinced her to change her major to nursing.
Over the years, Christina has served as Ambulance Lieutenant and Captain, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Vice President, and now President since 2019. In addition to her full-time job in healthcare, Christina is busy at the fire station helping oversee 16 committees, managing the fire company’s budget, and working their fundraising events and on accident and fire scenes to assist our first responders with the essentials they need. She was also instrumental in supervising the construction of the new fire station. Christina’s husband, Rich, also serves as NSFC’s Assistant Fire Chief. “I volunteer because I love Newtown Square,” Christina explained. “We are like one big family, and I enjoy helping however I can.”
Heather Robinson, 1st Vice President
“I joined Newtown Square Fire Company in 1993 and became an EMT (emergency medical technician),” explained Heather. “Over the years, I served as EMS Captain and Lieutenant.” Heather also spent some time with Marple’s ambulance but then took a break to raise her family and run her travel agency business. She recently decided to return to the Newtown Square Fire Company, where her husband and three boys are now members.
Heather said she wanted to start volunteering again to help the organization and the community. “As 1st Vice President, I am very active in organizing social events and fundraising,” she said. “I also have the opportunity to pursue a passion of mine of creating a Rehab program for firefighters,” she said. “It is so important for the safety and well-being of all of our members while on the scene that there is a team in place to make sure the firefighters stay hydrated, are properly cooled off after working in extreme temperatures, have their vital signs checked and are alert for any medical issues that may present.”
Megan Welch, 2nd Vice President
Megan officially joined the Newtown Square Fire Company 10 years ago, but she can easily say she’s been there since she was born. “Both of my parents are members, so my brother and I pretty much grew up in the station,” Megan said. “I watched them give back to our community, and it just felt natural for me to follow in their footsteps.”
Megan is a full-time teacher who joined the Auxiliary in 2014, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2021 and 2nd Vice President in 2022. Much of Megan’s focus is educating our community about what it means and what it takes to be a member.
“The membership committee is currently collaborating to brainstorm ways to recruit new members from the community, whether that is a high school student, college student, a new resident, or a community member looking to become more involved,” Megan explained.
How Can We Help?
Christina, Heather and Megan said that no matter your skill set, there is a place for you at the Newtown Square Fire Company. “There are so many ways to get involved,” Megan said. “Even if you have just a small amount of time, we will find a place for you.” Christina added that in addition to training to become a firefighter, volunteers are needed to cook, clean and stock the firehouse, work on fundraising campaigns like Pints in the Square, Flea Market Fundraisers and Fund Drive processing, and help with computer and website maintenance, accounting and member recruitment.
Joining the Newtown Square Fire Company Auxiliary involves promoting the interests of the fire company through fundraising. Some activities include hosting two annual Flea Markets, a Mother’s Day weekend Plant Sale, Pints in the Square 5k and Craft Brew Fest in September, and a Holiday Wreath Fundraising Event in November. The Auxiliary also provides meals for firefighters after emergency calls, at their monthly meetings and on the nights Santa Claus tours with the fire company.
Thank you to our elected officers and all the volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe. Your service is appreciated. If you want to volunteer with the Newtown Square Fire Company, please complete the online application at www.NSFC.org/content/membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2.