On Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 Battalion Chief Sly delivered several pieces of equipment and tools to be donated to the West, Texas Fire Department in the wake of the recent tragedy which occurred in their community.

On April 17th, 2013 the City of West was devastated when a catastrophic explosion occurred at the local fertilizer plant killing six firefighters, four EMS providers, five citizens, and injuring more than 200 people. The fire department also lost most of its equipment and vehicles during an effort to extinguish the blaze.

The members of the Berwyn Fire Company in Chester County initially stepped up by offering to donate their 1983 E-One Pumper to the West Fire Department shortly following the disaster. Berwyn Fire Chief Norris commissioned other Fire Companies within Chester County to provide any available equipment that could be used to equip the Pumper.

Chief McWilliams identified several pieces of equipment in storage that could be donated, and with the unanimous approval of the Executive Board, the equipment was taken to Berwyn to be picked up by Quadratec, a West Chester based company.

Additional equipment from Avondale, Goshen, Ludwig's Corner, Kimberton, Paoli, Po-Mar-Lin, Radnor and West Grove Fire Companies also accompanied the Westwood tools.

We have been extremely fortunate to receive many pieces of updated equipment thanks to grants and municipal support over the past decade and are proud to pass along equipment that can be utilized by another organization.

Our thanks to the Berwyn Fire Company for spearheading this effort.