The Aston-Beechwood Fire Company is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 2010 Delaware County Fireman's Association Parade. The prade will be held on October 9, 2010 with the parade kicking off at 12:00 noon and awards and other festivities to follow. Look for more information as we get closer to the event. Anyone with questions is asked to please contact Parade Committee Chair Kit Spayd by calling the firehouse  

This morning, several members traveled to the burn tower in West Chester with our friends from Station 71. After several interior revolutions in the tower, it was time to return home and rest up before the banquet.

President Jack Betzal Jr. served as master of ceremonies for the banquet which held at the Concordville Inn. After cocktail hour, Pres. Betzal introduced the contingent of neighboring fire company representatives as well as our locally elected officials. Following a delicious buffet dinner, the awards portion of the banquet was kicked off. Top Ten Fire and Top Five EMS awards were handed out along with the Engineer's Award, The President's Award, the EMS Person of the Year and the highly coveted Firefighter of the Year. A special presentation was made to Chief Lloyd in recognition of his recent award from the Delaware County Fireman's Association, the Harry Maitland Lifetime Achievement Award. Joe Spirito, past Deputy Chief of ABFC, was guest speaker who gave everyone a brief history of John Lloyd. John and Joe have been close friends since the early 1980's when they became fire instructors together. Current President Betzal and Past President Ron Jones were both issued their "Gold Cards" as the duo were recently elected to Life Member status. To close out the awards ceremony, Aston Twp. Board of Commissioners President Gary Robinson and Aston Twp. Chief of Police Dan Ruggieri presided over the swearing in of the 2010 officers.  The night was capped of by dancing late into the evening followed by a post-party at Pres. Betzal's house.

A gigantic THANK YOU to the 2010 Banquet Committee (Kit Spayd, John Moletteri, Mark Schmidt, Sarah Keiser, Linda McCall and John Tudo) for pulling off a wonderful event. As always, you went above and beyond organizing this annual ritual.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING AWARD WINNERS:
George Baldwin Engineer's Award: Jeffrey Kane
Ed Cordell President's Award: Kit Spayd & John Moletteri
Colleen Betzal EMS Person of the Year: Andy Brzezicki
Raymond "Rocky" Eusden Firefighter of the Year: Mike Wiley

We would like to thank Parkside, Bethel and Lincoln Fire Companies for covering during the day and throughout the night.

Several members of Aston-Beechwood FC attended the Delaware County Firemen’s Association Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony tonight. Chief Emeritus John Lloyd was the recipient of the Harry Maitland Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented yearly to a member of the DCFA who has shown lifetime devotions, support and commitment to the fire service of Delaware County in an outstanding manner. Lloyd is a life member of ABFC and has served as chief for 10 years since he joined in 1986. Most recently, he stepped up to the plate and took over as Chief after Chief Eusden’s sudden death in 2008.

John’s devotion to the fire service in Delaware County is exemplary of the type of leadership ABFC is lucky to have and we congratulate our friend, John Lloyd.

The rescue assignment was dispatched to the 5600 block of Pennell Road for an accident with entrapment just before 11pm. Chief 72 (Keiser) arrived to find a 2 vehicle accident with one subject trapped. The Chief established Pennell Rd. Command and advised Rescue 63 to go in service to pop a door. There were 2 injuries so an additional BLS and ALS were dispatched which added 72-7A and M104-7D. Rescue 72 assisted EMS crews and controlled hazards.  Units were available in about 45 minutes. Units operating were: Cos. 72 and 63, M104-7D, M100, ATPD and Fire Police.

Tac 72 and Engine 63 responded to Pennell and Concord Roads for a fully involved car fire this morning. Luckily, the car owner escaped uninjured. Crews were on seen for approximately 40 minutes and worked  under the command of A/C K. Dawson (63-9B). Around 7pm, Dexter’s on the Five set off their fire alarm as a result of smoke in the kitchen. Truck 63 and Engine 72 responded to confirm there was no fire.

With three feet of snow on the ground, the first call of the day was an EMS assist followed by two service calls in the township. Next, Tac 72 ran back to back CO alarms in 72s local. After a short break, the volunteers started the snow removal process from the parking lot and walkways at the station. During this work detail, the tones dropped for a house fire in the Lenni section of Middletown Township. Tac 72 and Engine 72 hit the street and fireboard advised responding units that there were multiple 911 calls reporting a house was on fire. Telesquirt 50 was first to arrive and confirmed a 1.5 single family dwelling working building fire. The second alarm was requested by command and crews worked for close to five hours battling this stubborn blaze and performed extensive overhaul. Thank you to Bethel Twp. Fire Co. for covering during this alarm and to Dannon Voight for the pictures.

Another huge snow storm hit Aston again today and the Tac 72 snow crew remained busy all day handling 10 emergency calls. Crews responded to multiple CO and fire alarms, numerous wires down calls, one CO leak, EMS assists and a building fire investigation in Middletown Township. Station 72 took a hit also and lost power for several hours.

The officers and members of Aston-Beechwood would like to send congratulations to member Donna Moore and her husband Matt on the birth of their first child. Samuel Matthew Moore was born on February 7 at Riddle Hospital. Sammy entered the wold at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 1/2" long. Both Mom and Baby are doing great and are now home.

With the recent snow that has blanketed the Aston area, it becomes very easy for a valubale piece of firefighting equipment, the fire hydrant,  to become buried by snow.  We are asking all residents of Aston to check out their neighborhood fire hydrants and make sure they are cleared of all snow.  In the event of an emergency, having a hydrant that is dug out and visible could save valuable time in getting water to a fire. Thank you!!!

During the late evening hours, just as a quick moving system began bringing light snows to the area, the township companies were dispatched to Lenni Rd. and Hillcrest Ln. for an accident. Medic 72-7 arrived first and reported that they had one vehicle into a pole, with the driver trapped. Rescue 63 arrived and began stabilization and extrication. Rescue 72 arrived a moment after and assisted with patient care and extrication. Crews had the patient extricated. Rescue 72 remained on scene for approximately 1 hour  until the vehicle was removed and PECO could ensure the pole was secure. Assisting on scene: Medic 100, Fire Police, and ATPD. Deputy Chief John Lloyd had Lenni Rd. Command.

While operating at the accident, the companies were dispatched to the 5100 block of Pennell Rd. for a fire alarm. D/C Lloyd had Engine 63 respond from the accident to investigate. Crews found unattended cooking, and recalled the assignment. Luckily this snow system only brought a light coating, this weekend however looks to be bringing us more than our fair share of snow.

Dear Vice President Kit Spayd, please continue to rest and get better so we can see your smiling face in Station 72 soon. Kit is laid up in Riddle Hospital for a few days recovering from pneumonia. We the members are all sooooo lost as we don’t know who to call to discus our issues or what to do for dinner :)

The company apparatus page has been updated and re-designed.  Check it out by clicking the tab on the left or follow this link  APPARATUS PAGE

Just after 11am, companies 72 and 63 were dispatched to Overlook Drive for an odor investigation. Fire crews checked the area and determined the call was unfounded. Shortly after this call, the rescue assignment went to Concord Road in front of Dexters on the 5 for a head on car crash. Medic 72 transported two subjects to Crozer as the Rescue companies controlled the hazards. On the way home from this crash, Engine 72 went to Crozerville Road to assist 72-7A on a medical call.

Good luck to the engine committee from Station 63 as they head to Wisconsin this week to inspect the new Engine 63. The new Pierce Pumper looks awesome!

Recently, Engine 72 received its own set of Holmatro Core Rescue Tools. The combi tool and Honda power unit were converted to Holmatro's new Core single line system and a new telescoping ram was purchased to complete the set. Once we receive the new Rescue 72, we will be fitting it with a new set of Core tools as well.

Chief Engineer Andy Brzezicki and Assistant Engineer John Tudo have had an ongoing friendly arguement as to whose football team is better: Andy's hometown Philadelphia Eagles or John's beloved Dallas Cowboys. In the spirit of sportmanship, the two made a gentleman's bet prior to Saturday's playoff game: the fan of the losing team must wear the winning team's jersey and have their picture taken for the website. Sorry to say, Andy's team lost but he lived up to his end of the bet like a true gentleman and donned the enemy's jersey. Better luck next year, Andy!