[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WESTWOOD FIRE COMPANY EMS

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Westwood Fire 
Company EMS in recognition of their dedicated service to the citizens 
of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
  The Westwood Fire Company EMS was recently awarded the 2005 
Pennsylvania State Ambulance Service of the Year Award. This 
prestigious award is given each year to an ambulance service that 
provides outstanding service to the residents and continued training 
and development for its community volunteers.
  Founded in 1947, the Westwood Fire Company EMS provides fire, rescue, 
and EMS services to their local surrounding areas with competence and 
expertise. In the beginning, the Company had 13 original members. 
Today, they have expanded their numbers significantly with over 35 
active firefighters, EMS personnel, and Fire Police officers.
  The Westwood Fire Company EMT provides primary service to the 
Township of Valley and portions of East Fallowfield and Highland 
Townships. In these areas, the Company operates two pumpers, a pumper 
rescue, a brush unit, a traffic control unit, and a BLS ambulance. The 
Company responds to approximately 700 EMS calls per year and 350-fire/
rescue calls. Moreover, the Company further contributes to its 
community by providing automated external defibrillators at discounted 
prices for schools and community organizations. Additionally, in an 
effort to educate the community and keep themselves up to date on the 
latest rescue techniques, the Company frequently provides weekly 
training drills.
  The services provided by the Westwood Fire Company EMS are free of 
charge and the Company depends solely on the countless volunteers who 
spend time away from their families so that they can help others in 
their community. In turn, the community frequently gives back to the 
Company by providing them with financial assistance that is used to 
help purchase supplies, apparatus, and essential equipment. This 
selfless attitude has helped the Company grow and prosper over the past 
50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
Westwood Fire Company EMS for its recognition as the 2005 Pennsylvania 
Ambulance Service of the Year and for the invaluable service they 
provide to their fellow citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

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