Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is proud to feature families, groups and individuals who make a difference in our community. This month, we turn our attention to the Newtown Square Fire Company, which has had a proud tradition of volunteer fire service for over 100 years. We are excited to honor our hometown heroes dedicated to protecting our community as our 2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year!
The Newtown Square Fire Company (NSFC) was officially formed in 1916 in response to a severe fire that occurred in December 1915. The fire broke out in a garage on a property at the corner of West Chester Pike and Newtown Street Rd. The garage was next to vital telephone lines stretching from Philadelphia to Chicago. Fortunately, a group of volunteers gathered to successfully extinguish the flames, thus prompting a discussion and eventual charter agreement to establish a fire company in Newtown Square.
Although times have changed and our community has grown substantially over the years, our residents know that when there is a call for help, they can always rely on NSFC’s highly trained team of firefighters and fire police to respond quickly. They provide fire rescue services to Newtown Township and a select part of Willistown Township. NSFC also provides and receives mutual aid from our surrounding departments in Marple and Edgmont Townships.
The scope of the emergencies being faced is significantly different since those early days. Unlike the barn fires of the past, today’s firefighter must deal with vehicle rescues, hazardous materials incidents, high-angle rescue, and many other situations that were never even thought about by the founders.
Successfully managing these emergencies and providing for the safety of the firefighters and residents requires a high level of training, sophisticated equipment, personal protective gear and modern fire vehicles.
Photo courtesy of Preston Tyrell
Not only is the fire company itself rich in history, but many of its members are also lifelong residents and even 2nd and 3rd generations deep in service to the community. Fire Chief Doug Everlof joined NSFC when he was just 16 years old. “It was a dream of mine as a young boy to become a firefighter one day,” recalled Doug. “One of the best memories I have was winning the fire company’s art contest as a seven-year-old.” Doug remembered receiving a plaque, a write-up in the local newspaper and a ride around town in a fire truck. “When I joined the NSFC at 16, I thought I would volunteer for a few years and move on,” he laughed. “And here I am 39 years later!” Doug’s son Jason has joined his father and serves as a volunteer firefighter.
Doug admits that he still has a way to go to compete with their longest-tenured members. Former Assistant Chief Doug Conway recently celebrated 60 years and is currently serving as a member of the Fire Police. Not far behind are Fire Police Captain Carl Ewing and Fire Police Member Bill Rankin.
NSFC’s Public Information Officer, Bill Baker, has served since 1978 and has worked in almost every capacity since then. “Bill doesn’t give himself enough credit for what he has done for the Business Department,” noted Doug. Bill said that his involvement began when he attended a fire company meeting. “At the time, my friend Dick Pound was serving as President of NSFC,” he explained. “I learned that there was a need for a Budget Director, and with my background in finance, I convinced Dick to bring me on board.” From that point, Bill has had his hands in most aspects, from driving the ambulances and balancing the budgets to raising funds that were instrumental in the completion of the newly constructed firehouse.
The amount of work, funding and time it takes to run a volunteer fire company is astounding and only made possible by those heroes that dedicate their time, talent and resources. In addition to the Firefighters and Fire Police you see on an emergency scene, a team of dedicated volunteers works 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.
Chris Young serves as NSFC’s Deputy Chief and said that there is always a need for volunteers. “I joined in 2013 after retiring from the United States Air Force,” he said. “I realized in retirement that I missed the camaraderie that came with serving the public.” Chris said his wife and daughter suggested he look into becoming a firefighter with NSFC. “The members here have become my 2nd family now,” Chris remarked. “There have been some trying times in my life when I needed help, and they have shown up every single time, and I have done the same for them. I am truly grateful.”
Christina Heffernan is the President of the NSFC. Her dedication and service to our community began in 1991. Over the years, Christina has served as Ambulance Lieutenant and Captain, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Vice President, and now President since 2019. She helps oversee various committees, manages the budget and works on fundraising events. She will also assist our first responders with the essentials they need while on accident and emergency scenes. 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.”
All of the members of the NSFC agree that no matter your skill set, there is a place for you to join their family and volunteer with the Newtown Square Fire Company. “There are so many ways to get involved,” Christina said. “Even if you have just a small amount of time, we will find a place for you.” 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 first responders, 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, complete the online application at www.NSFC.org/content/membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2.
Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.
