2022 Reflection & 2023 Anticipation
 
By FF/EMT Jeff Cole
January 1, 2023
 

As we turn the page from 2022 to 2023 we’d like to take the time to highlight our career staff and volunteer personnel.
2022 was the busiest year on record for both our Fire and EMS divisions. For the second consecutive year the Fire division was dispatched to over 500 emergencies. Our EMS division handled over 3,000 medical emergencies. Even with the increase in call volume in both divisions our personnel were able to provide professional, compassionate, and dedicated service to anyone who needed us.

The EMS division added another MICU and now permanently staffs a MICU at Thorndale Fire Company (Station 38) in Caln Township to provide ALS services to Caln Township. Our crews have appreciated the hospitality shown to them by the personnel at Thorndale Fire Company and the Coatesville VAFD (Station 76). We also saw members of our career staff increase their knowledge and provider levels through education. Some of our personnel became Advanced EMT’s and others became Paramedics. Through this we are able to offer the best patient care possible whenever our EMS crews are needed.

The Fire Division welcomed some new members as interior qualified firefighters, vehicle rescue technicians, engine drivers,
and water rescue qualified responders. Many of these members are volunteers and sacrificed time on weeknights and weekends to attend these classes. While all of this was going on our career fire staff and volunteer staff were still able to respond to calls and participate in weekly training and staffing assignments.

As we look towards 2023 we continue to thank Downingtown Borough Council, East Caln Township Supervisors, and the residents for their support of the Downingtown Fire Department. Our personnel will continue to work with each of you in our common goal of protecting life and property.

Lastly and most importantly we still need volunteers. If you’ve ever felt compelled to help your neighbor, a friend, or a stranger then please consider becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMT. It’s a rewarding experience and will open many doors of opportunities both personally and professionally. We provide you with the support system, training, gear, and equipment. All we ask for is a little bit of your time. If each person puts a little bit of their time in we can accomplish even greater things. Stop down any Wednesday night at 6:30, message us on FB, send us an email, or give us a call. We are eager to meet you!