and Chief Curtis A. Roehrig, Sr.
Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is proud to feature families, groups and individuals who make a difference in our community. This month, we turn our attention to the Edgmont Township Fire Company (ETFC), which has had a proud tradition of volunteer fire service for over 80 years. We are excited to honor our hometown heros dedicated to protecting our community as our 2023 Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors of The Year!
The fire company was born when a small group of concerned citizens met early in 1942 to discuss the need for a fire station, as more land was being developed and the population was growing. History tells us that this dedicated group of residents rose to the challenge as our country was at war and purchased their first fire truck in June of that year thanks to the generosity and efforts of visionary Charter Members Walter Jeffords and Elmer E. Miller Sr.
After World War II, the service members who fought overseas returned home to Edgmont and quickly joined in the efforts to build a firehouse. Work began in 1946, and by 1947 it was completed. The first of many fire company banquets was held in October 1950 in Elmer Miller’s garage on the corner of Middletown and Gradyville Roads.
Over the years, many additions and alterations were made to the original building to accommodate the township’s needs. By 1977 there was also a demand for upgraded equipment and new emergency vehicles, which required a significant amount of money. That was when Charter Member’s grandson, Elmer “Chip” Miller III, stepped in along with his friend and fellow firefighter Ron Gravina.
Chip and Ron joined the fire department when they were 16 years old and quickly rose through the ranks. Today Chip serves as President and Ron is Assistant Fire Chief though they have both served in many roles and capacities over the years. “Back in 1977, we knew we needed a new truck, but the bank wouldn’t lend us the money unless the fire company had a steady stream of income,” Ron explained. “So Chip and I went to the township to ask for financial support and, after the supervisors held a public hearing, a fire tax was approved by elected officials.” The funds generated by the fire tax, along with generous private donations and grants by local, state and federal governments, allowed the ETFC to expand and build a new state-of-the-art fire station across the street and next to the Edgmont Township Municipal Building.
Secretary Coleen Fickes, Treasurer Doug Dryer and
Vice President Jennifer Roehrig
Today, the Edgmont Township Volunteer Fire Company No.1 proudly protects over 5,900 residents in a 14-square-mile area, including all of Edgmont Township and over a third of Thornbury Township in Delaware County. One-third of their protection district is comprised of Ridley Creek State Park, the US Army Reserve Center and over 600 acres of Agricultural Protected and Conservation District lands. Their coverage area includes four major state highways: Route 3 (West Chester Pike), Route 352, Route 926, and Providence Rd and over 25 miles of municipal roads.
Not only is the fire company itself rich in history, but many of its members are also lifelong residents and even 2nd and 3rd generations deep in service to the community. For Deputy Chief Dave Wilkie Jr. and his wife Teresa, ETFC’s Fire Police Lieutenant, service to their community is paramount. “Before we moved to Edgmont in 2014, Dave and I were EMS officers in another town,” Teresa explained. “We knew we wanted to continue serving, so we immediately joined ETFC.” In fact, all five of Dave and Teresa’s children are involved with the fire company, with their oldest son, David III, as Chief Engineer.
ETFC’s Fire Chief, Curtis Roehrig Sr, began his service in Newtown Square in 1991. “I decided to join the fire company with a few friends from high school, and we all still serve today,” Curt said. “I moved over to Edgmont in 1993 and have worked in every capacity since then.” Curt rose through the ranks, starting as a Chief Engineer, then Captain and Deputy. He has been ETFC’s Fire Chief for the past five years.
“Curt is a natural leader,” said Michael Barney, who recently joined the fire company after retiring from a successful career as a business owner and product developer. “Curt gets things done and would never ask anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.” Michael got involved with the fire company when his friend Chip encouraged him to join. “At first, I was helping out on the administrative end,” he explained. “But soon after, I became interested in training to be a firefighter.” Michael decided to ride along on a call and signed up for the academy the next day. He is proud to serve his community and of his accomplishment of becoming a firefighter at 57 years old.
Curt’s wife, Jen Roehrig, understands the importance of giving back to your community. “Like my husband, I had good friends who were involved in the fire company and decided to train as an EMT,” she explained. “Now our oldest son is a firefighter, and our youngest son was just accepted into the fire company this year.” Jen has also taken on many roles at ETFC. She not only serves as ETFC’s Vice President and President of the Relief Association, but she also helps with fundraising and event planning.
The amount of work, funding and time it takes to run a volunteer fire company is astounding and only made possible by those heroes that dedicate their time, talent and resources. “We need new volunteers to step up in every capacity,” Ron said. “We’re working hard to get back to the days when the firehouse was the hub of the community and people wanted to be of service.” In addition to the Firefighters and Fire Police you see on an emergency scene, a team of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to operate an organization that serves and protects our community. From ensuring our firefighters have the best training, gear and equipment to providing home-cooked meals and a clean, comfortable place to rest while on call, these company volunteers and elected officers are also worthy of our appreciation.
Doug Dryer is ETFC’s Treasurer, who came on board four years ago. Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to the fire company as a Client Implementation Manager for one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. “I knew I wanted to get involved and set a good example for my children,” Doug said. “My strength is in finance, and I am happy to volunteer my time and talents.” He said how remarkably well they all work together as a team. “We all truly respect each other’s roles here,” he added. “I may not understand how each piece of equipment works, but I know how to manage the funds to get our firefighters what they need.”
All of the members of the ETFC agree that no matter your skill set, there is a place for you to join their family and volunteer with the Edgmont Fire Company. “There are so many ways to get involved,” explained ETFC’s Secretary Coleen Fickes. “Even if you have just a small amount of time, we will find a place for you.” In addition to training to become a firefighter, volunteers are needed to cook, clean and stock the firehouse, work on fundraising campaigns, Fund Drive processing, grant writing and help with computer and website maintenance, accounting and member recruitment.
There is no better way to show your support and pride for the community than helping to keep your neighbors, their homes and businesses safe. If you want to volunteer with the Edgmont Township Fire Company, stop by the station any Thursday night from 7-9pm, complete an online application by visiting www.EdgmontFire.org or call 610-459-5688.
Thank you to our first responders, elected officers and all the volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe. Your service is appreciated.
Do you know a Newtown Edgmont family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.
