Chester County Fire Chiefs Association

10/14/2026

Last evening, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association leadership hosted a legislative reception at Longwood Gardens — bringing together state and county elected officials for meaningful discussions on important issues facing Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency service organizations.

We were honored to welcome Senator John Kane and State Representatives John Lawrence, Chris Pielli, Christina Sappey, and Paul Friel. Also joining us were staff members from the offices of Senators Carolyn Comitta and Katie Muth, along with Representative Craig Williams.

Throughout the evening, discussions focused on critical legislative initiatives and public safety priorities identified by Pennsylvania’s statewide fire service organizations, with an emphasis on strengthening emergency services, supporting our first responders, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fire service.

We were also pleased to welcome Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Eric Roe, who joined us for this important opportunity to engage with fire service leadership.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the elected officials and their staff who attended and took time from their schedules to participate in these important conversations. We also extend a special thank you to Longwood Fire Company’s leadership team for their coordination and partnership with the outstanding staff at Longwood Gardens whose efforts helped make this event possible.

As an Association, we remain committed to working collaboratively with our elected officials and statewide fire service partners to advance initiatives that enhance public safety, protect our firefighters, and strengthen the future of emergency services throughout Chester County and the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association
Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters

10/10/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the extraordinary life and service of Chief William H. “Pop” Winters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty on this date in 1997.

Known throughout Chester County simply as “Car 7,” Chief Winters was a respected leader, mentor, educator, and pioneer whose contributions helped shape the fire service across our County for generations.

His distinguished career with Chester County began in 1959 as a volunteer fire marshal. In 1976, recognizing the growing importance of fire investigation and prevention, the Chester County Board of Commissioners established the County’s first paid Fire Marshal position, appointing Chief Winters to the role. He faithfully served in that capacity for the next 21 years, until his sudden passing while investigating a fire in West Sadsbury Township.

Over the course of more than six decades in the fire service, Chief Winters dedicated countless hours to educating and mentoring hundreds of firefighters. His knowledge of fire behavior, suppression, and investigation helped prepare generations of emergency responders while strengthening fire safety throughout Chester County.

His leadership extended well beyond the Fire Marshal’s Office. In a remarkable distinction, Chief Winters served as Fire Chief of three separate organizations during his career: the Atglen Fire Company, Pomeroy Fire Company, and Valley Forge Hospital Fire Department.

His commitment to the fire service also became a lasting family tradition. His son, William R.L. Winters, Sr., served an extraordinary 46 years as Fire Chief of the Atglen Fire Company, while his grandson, William R.L. Winters, Jr., continued that legacy of leadership, rising through the ranks to become Atglen’s Deputy Chief.

It is particularly fitting that the anniversary of Chief Winters’ passing falls during National Fire Prevention Week, a time dedicated to promoting fire safety, public education, and the prevention of fire-related injuries and deaths. Earlier this week, the Chester County Board of Commissioners formally recognized this important observance through a proclamation reaffirming the County’s commitment to fire prevention and public safety.

Twenty-nine years after his passing, the influence of “Pop” Winters continues to be felt throughout Chester County’s fire service.

We will continue to pay our respects to those who have given their lives in service for the citizens of Chester County.

10/09/2026

Over the past three days, more than a dozen Chief Officers from across Chester County have participated in training, educational sessions, and meetings alongside fire service leaders from throughout the Commonwealth at the Pennsylvania Municipal League’s Annual Municipal Leadership Summit in Hershey.

Collectively, these Chief Officers represent departments with direct responsibility for managing and delivering emergency services through both career and volunteer staffing models across Chester County.

As the fire service continues to evolve, the need for increased municipal support, sustainable funding, and long-term planning has never been more important. With escalating operational demands, rising costs, and continued challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters, municipalities and fire service leaders must work collaboratively to ensure that public safety services can be maintained at the level our communities expect and deserve.

As an Association, we remain committed to working alongside like-minded stakeholder organizations, including the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, to address the challenges facing local fire departments across the Commonwealth.

10/08/2026

As Fire Prevention Week 2026 continues, the Chester County Board of Commissioners demonstrated their commitment to public safety by issuing a proclamation recognizing the importance of fire prevention and education, while honoring the dedication, service, and sacrifices of firefighters throughout Chester County each and every day.

Yesterday, the Chester County Commissioners' recognized October 4- 10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week! 🔥🚒

John Sly, President of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, accepted the proclamation along with members of the Chester County Fire Marshal's Office.

10/04/2026

Fire Prevention Week is here, October 4 through 10.

This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

We all use rechargeable batteries every day in our phones, laptops, tools, bikes, scooters and other devices. Take a few extra seconds to use the right charger, keep devices away from anything that can burn while charging, and stop using batteries that are damaged, swollen or overheating.

It’s also a good week to test your smoke alarms and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if there is a fire.

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association encourages everyone to take fire prevention seriously. A few simple steps can make a big difference.

Stay safe, Chester County.

09/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember Firefighter John F. Legieko of the former Parkesburg Fire Company, now part of the Keystone Valley Fire Department.

In June 2001, Firefighter Legieko was returning from an EMS training class in West Grove when his vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer on Route 41. He suffered critical injuries, including a torn aorta, and was airlifted by Sky FlightCare helicopter for treatment. He initially fought to survive his injuries, and his aorta was repaired. However, he later developed additional medical complications due to injuries sustained from the accident.

Firefighter Legieko passed away on this date at just 19 years old.

We take time to remember the sacrifice he made while pursuing the training necessary to better serve his community. We will continue to honor those who have given their lives in service for the citizens of Chester County.

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

🚨 OPERATION DONUT IS UNDERWAY! 🍩

Chief John Sly and Chief Eamon Brazunas are going from donut shop to donut shop searching for Malvern Borough Police Department Pennsylvania Police Chief Lou Marcelli. Since Lou is a Police Chief—and Team Police’s reigning champion—it seemed like the most logical place to start looking! 😂🚓

Has anyone seen him? Lou, Team Fire is looking for you! 👀

The search continues at Cheers to CVC: Battle of the Badges on September 17 from 5–8 PM at BELFOR in Exton.

Come support the The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, Inc., fill those tip jars, and see whether Team Fire can finally take down Team Police!

🎟️ Tickets: cvcofcc.org/events

09/01/2026

Today, we pause to remember Firefighter Charles H. Martin, Jr. of the Lionville Fire Company, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty on this date in 1965.

Firefighter Martin, a local farmer and dedicated member of the Lionville Fire Company, lost his life while operating at a brush fire at Whispering Pines Farm on North Whitford Road. While attempting to access the fire, Firefighter Martin tragically came into contact with a fence which had become electrified by a fallen power line.

More than six decades later, Firefighter Martin has not been forgotten. Known as a civic leader within the community, his legacy is also memorialized through the dedication of Charles H. Martin Memorial Park in Uwchlan Township.

Today, we remember Firefighter Charles H. Martin, Jr. and will continue to honor all those who have given their lives in service to the residents of Chester County.