3 minute read
Newtown Square Fire Police: Helping Ensure a Safe Community
Our Community feature article by Christina Manning
Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Fire Police
Our community is fortunate to have the Newtown Square Fire Company’s Fire Police Unit to ensure the safety of everyone on roadways when an incident occurs. We were able to chat with Fire Chief Doug Everlof and Fire Police Captain Carl Ewing about the everyday duties and responsibilities of the men and women who volunteer in this Unit.
Why does Newtown Square Fire Company have a Fire Police Unit?
The Fire Police have been an essential part of the Newtown Square Fire Company for more than 50 years. Sworn in by Newtown Township, these unarmed Special Fire Police Officers serve and protect the fire and emergency medical responders as well as community residents at fire and emergency scenes. When the fire company or EMS are called to an incident, the Fire Police respond to provide traffic and pedestrian management. Fire Police can, if necessary, shut down or limit travel on roadways, allowing first responders the ability to do their job without worrying about themselves or their vehicles being struck by passing vehicles. The Fire Police also assist local police departments with traffic and pedestrian control on crime scene incidents when requested.
Who is in charge of the Fire Police and what are their responsibilities?
Newtown Square’s Fire Police Unit is led by Captain Carl Ewing. His responsibilities include training the members, taking charge of the scene of an incident, coordinating efforts with the Fire Company and the Police Department, and critiquing the incident response to improve future responses. He must also submit reports to the Delaware County Fire Police Association and the State.
Newtown Square Fire Police Unit truck
How do Newtown Square residents come to know the work and service of the Fire Police?
Residents will know the work of the uniformed Fire Police when they approach an incident scene. Fire Police Officers direct motorists and residents as to what they must do to not interfere and to safely avoid the scene. For instance, if the incident involves traffic control, the Fire Police will place signs directing traffic around or away from the incident, to protect the public and the first responders. Examples of activities include fire calls, highway accidents, floods, downed trees and wires, EMS calls, traffic control at parades, and to assist the Police when required.
Fire Police Member Bill Rankin explained: “We volunteer to serve and protect the community and the firefighters, and to assist the surrounding counties."
Newtown Square Fire Police Unit (L-R): Captain Carl Ewing, Douglas Conway, Bill Rankin, Maureen Madden and Tom Ford
Why do people volunteer to serve in the Fire Police?
The volunteers join the Fire Police when they want to give back to the community and help support the Fire Company. Many are former firefighters who have years of experience with all types of incidents. Some are residents of Newtown Township who have talents to contribute, such as Rev. Dr. Roland Buccialia who is the Company Chaplain, and Maureen Madden who contributes her computer skills in addition to scene control. For 30 years, Bill Rankin has run the community outreach program that visits schools to introduce students to the work of Newtown Square Fire Company 41 and the Fire Police.
How does someone learn more about the Fire Police including what’s involved to become a volunteer?
Anyone over 21 years of age can learn more about the Fire Police by stopping at the fire station on any Monday night and expressing their desire to learn more and/or to volunteer. There is a required 16-hour Pennsylvania State training course offered evenings and weekends. Additional training is available. For more information, visit the Fire Company’s website (www.NSFC.org) or call the station at 610-356-9916.
