Chester County Fire Chiefs Association

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.

08/24/2026

Today, we pause to remember the sacrifice of Firefighter Daniel Davidson of the Alert Fire Co. No. 1.

On this date in 1941, Firefighter Davidson tragically succumbed to injuries sustained following a mishap which occurred during a fundraising activity held to help support the costs of the company’s newly constructed fire station on Pennsylvania Avenue — the same facility from which Alert Fire Company continues to serve the Downingtown community today.

85 years later, Firefighter Davidson’s service remains an enduring part of Alert Fire Company’s history. We will continue to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service for the residents of Chester County.

08/17/2026

The Philadelphia National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is coming to the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday, September 26.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories while carrying the name of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

The goal is 500 climbers, and we would like to see a strong showing from Chester County. Fire companies, emergency service organizations, community groups and individual participants are encouraged to register and form teams. You do not need to be a firefighter to participate.

Who will be representing Chester County?

Learn more and register here:
https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/philadelphia26/about

911 Memorial Stair Climbs

07/28/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association extends its condolences to the members of the Longwood Fire Company, the Kennett Regional Fire & EMS Commission, and the family and friends of Fire Police Captain Jeffrey Hammecker on his passing.

As a Fire Police Captain, he devoted countless hours to protecting both emergency responders and the public. We are grateful for his many years of dedicated service to the community.

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Fire Police Captain Jeff Hammaker, a dedicated volunteer and cherished friend whose commitment to his community left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He became Fire Police Captain in 2012 and was routinely one of Longwood's top responders each year.

Jeff devoted countless hours to serving his fire company and the community. As Fire Police Captain, he was a steady presence at emergency scenes, ensuring the safety of fellow responders and the public with professionalism, calmness, and unwavering dedication. His willingness to answer the call—day or night—reflected a lifetime of selfless service and commitment to protecting others. He also attended most weekly training sessions, took photographs, and assisted with traffic control at numerous public events.

While we are saddened by his passing, we are grateful for his years of service and unwavering devotion to public safety. We were honored to have him as part of our company, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m.

07/27/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association is proud to stand with our law-enforcement partners in supporting the North Coventry Township Police Department’s 10th Annual Fallen Heroes Car Show.

This year’s event will benefit the family of fallen Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr. We encourage our fire and EMS departments, members, families and friends throughout Chester County to come out and show their support.

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
📍 Coventry Mall

The event includes a professionally judged car show with more than 55 trophies, food trucks, live music, raffles and activities for the entire family.

🎟️ Purchase a $50 raffle ticket for the chance to win a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, Phillies tickets, a 65-inch Smart TV or a $500 Piccolo Mondo gift card. You do not need to be present to win.

🚘 Car show registration: https://shorturl.at/f7b8x
🎟️ Raffle tickets: https://shorturl.at/j4ZqY

Our badges and uniforms may be different, but we are one public-safety family. Please join us in honoring Corporal O’Connor, supporting his family and sharing this event throughout the fire service community.

07/27/2026

🚨 ATTENTION CHESTER COUNTY POLICE CHIEFS... 🚨

We know you're used to writing tickets... but on September 17, you'll be taking orders from the Fire Chiefs. 😉🍺🚒🚓

Join us for the 3rd Annual Cheers to CVC: Battle of the Badges at BELFOR Property Restoration as Chester County's Fire Chiefs and Police Chiefs go head-to-head to see who can earn the title of Best Chief Bartender.

Come support an incredible cause, enjoy a cold beer, and help settle this friendly rivalry once and for all.

🔥 Fire Chiefs are ready.
👮 Police Chiefs... we'll save you a spot at second place.

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://cvcofcc.org/event/3rd-annual-cheers-to-cvc-battle-of-the-badges-rain-or-shine/

07/22/2026

Last evening, several fire service leaders gathered to recognize Fire Chief Joel McMillan for his many years of dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to the communities he has faithfully served.

Chief McMillan has been a widely recognized figure in the Chester County fire service since first assuming his current position as Chief back in 1990. Today, he continues to serve in the unique role of concurrently leading both the Ridge Fire Company and the Norco Fire Company (NFC Station 64) as Fire Chief — exemplifying a lifetime of selfless volunteer service that has helped shape the fire service throughout northern Chester County.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone, as Chief McMillan reaches a combined 50 years serving as the Fire Chief between the two organizations. Throughout his decades of leadership, he has mentored generations of firefighters, guided his organizations through countless challenges, and remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting the lives and property of those he serves.

The respect Chief McMillan has earned from his peers is a direct reflection of his character, professionalism, and dedication to the fire service. His leadership has built an enduring legacy that will continue to influence the next generation of fire service leaders.

Joining in the recognition were Chief McMillan’s neighboring colleagues from the Kimberton Fire Company, Ludwigs Corner Fire Company, Twin Valley Fire Department, Limerick Fire Department, as well as the Chester County Department of Emergency Services. We also extend special recognition to Past Chief Steve Pelna of the West Chester Borough Fire Department, who returned “home” to Ridge Fire Company for the presentation, where he originally began his fire service career under Chief McMillan’s leadership.

On behalf of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, we extend our sincere appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to Chief McMillan on this well-deserved recognition. We thank him for his many years of outstanding volunteer leadership and service to the citizens of Chester County, and we wish him ongoing success as he continues to lead both the Ridge and Norco Fire Companies into the future.

07/22/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association extends its condolences to the Miller family and the members of the West Whiteland Fire Company on the passing of Vice President and Past Assistant Chief Mark Miller.

Chief Miller — the son of longtime West Whiteland Fire Chief Albert C. Miller — served as Assistant Fire Chief of the company from 1985 to 1989. He remained an active life member until his passing earlier this week. His commitment to the fire service reflected the longstanding volunteer tradition of dedication that has defined the Miller family in the Exton community for generations.

That legacy continues today through his sons, Kevin and Steven, who currently serve the company as Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief, respectively.

We join Chief Miller’s family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his loss.

07/15/2026

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association extends its condolences to the members of the West Grove Fire Company on the passing of Past Chief W. Forrest Hammond.

Chief Hammond served as the West Grove Fire Chief in 1977 and 1978, and was recently honored for 75 years of dedicated service and leadership which helped to shape the proud tradition of the volunteer fire service in the greater Avon Grove region. His commitment to the community he served will not be forgotten.

As the West Grove Fire Company honors the life and legacy of one of its own, we stand with their members in recognizing Chief Hammond’s lasting contributions to the community.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire West Grove Fire Company membership during this time.