The members of the Wagontown Fire Company took a much deserved evening off this past Saturday evening to gather in Volunteer Hall to celebrate individual and company accomplishments in 2014. The fire company members were joined by elected officials from the two townships, West Caln and West Brandywine, we cover in our first due response area. Also in attendance were representatives from our neighboring Fire Companies who provide us with mutual aid assistance when large incidents occur, along with representatives from the Department of Emergency Services.

The evening started out with a welcome to all our members, their families and guests from the Company President Michael Reber and Pastor Crans followed with the blessing. Immediately following a wonderful dinner that was served by our friends at Traditions Catering. When dinner was complete the awards portion of the evening began.

Chief Ziegler then started the awards ceremony portion of the evening by welcoming our guests in which West Brandywine Township Supervisor Doug Smith spoke. Supervisor Smith relayed to the crowd how the township appreciates the work Wagontown does for the citizens.

Next Supervisor Paul Pfitzenmeyer from West Caln spoke and he too echoed the sediments of Supervisor Smith. Supervisor Pfitzenmeyer then reflected on several serious incidents that Wagontown handled and thanked the company for their response.

Chief Ziegler then moved into the awarding of the 200 hours club awards. The 200 points club is members who achieved 200 hours or more of service with the company. Following the 200 Hour awards Chief Ziegler then presented the members of the Active Fire Crew with gifts for attending 20 percent or more of emergency responses for 2014.

Fire Police Captain Allen Touchton then presented the Fire Police Officer of the year following a brief review of how busy the fire police were. FP Captain Touchton called Fire Police Officer Doug Skiles to the podium to award him the Fire Police Officer of the year award.

Then the awarding of Junior firefighter of the year was announced by Chief Ziegler, this year it went to Jr. Member John Rosenberry. Jr. FF Rosenberry was chosen for the award for his contribution and willingness to learn and assist our operation in any way he can. John also completed an Eagle Scout project which was done to beautify our firehouse, the project included re-doing of the flag pole and a new gazebo out front.

Next Chief Ziegler awarded the Firefighter of the year for 2014 and explained to the crowd how 2014 was particularly hard on the Wagontown members not only for the normal day-to-day functions of responding to emergencies, constant training, fundraising activities/events, but because of several long term incidents the challenged the members of our Wagontown operation. Chief Ziegler then called FF John Yearsley to the join him at the front podium. Firefighter Yearsley continues to educate himself in the fire service world by attending training and working with other members to further them along in the fire service.

Following these awards President Reber took the podium to present the company side of the awards which includes Member of the Year. The 2014 Member of the Year was awarded Robert “Bob” Yearsley. Bob is a very valued member of the Wagontown Fire Company on both the Active as well as the Corporate/Executive side of the operation, serving as a Deputy Chief and Relief Treasurer in 2014,

President Reber then acknowledged and awarded gifts to those who on the administrative side keep things running, by making sure the Fund Raisers take place and are well organized. And they were Dawn Fitzgerald, Tracy Trego, Peg Touchton, Bridget Ziegler and Erin Mellinger.

To end the evening, current Fire Company President Michael Reber presented a special recognition award to the family of the late William Bickert. Mr. Bickert was an integral part in ensuring the bingo games on Wednesday and Sunday went off without a hitch. President Reber went on to say how he was important to assisting him in learning what takes place at bingo and what all was involved. President Reber then invited the Fitzgerald Family and Mrs. Bickert to the podium to receive a plaque that was dedicated to Bill and will be displayed in the firehouse for all to see and remember him with.

At this point the evening was turned over to DJ Earl Taylor. Members relaxed, socialized, and danced.

The Wagontown Fire Company would like to thank the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company (Rescue Engine 36) for providing fire protection for our residents while our members enjoyed a much deserved break for the evening.