The West Chester Fire Department

The West Chester Fire Department, comprised of the First West Chester, Good Will, and Fame Fire Companies, provides Fire/Rescue services to the citizens of West Chester Borough, as well as West Goshen, East Bradford, Westtown, Birmingham, and Thornbury Townships.

Comprised of two Engine Companies and a Rescue/Truck Company, the WCFD is well versed in all aspects of Fire/Rescue services.  The entire department is certified to the 100% level in accordance with the State Fire Commissioner's Office training certification program.  It boast a fleet of 20 vehicles including 5 Class A Pumpers, a 137' Ladder Truck, Heavy Rescue, Air/Light Unit, 3000 gallon Tanker, Brush Truck, 3 Squads, 2 Boats, trench and colapse rescue trailers, 4 Chief's vehicles, and a Traffic Unit.

Each company trains at least once a week and have, at their disposal, a state of the art training facility located in West Goshen Township.  The West Chester Fire Department Training Center, located on Snyder Avenue, has two structural burn buildings, a five story tower, technical rescue area, vehicle fire and rescue area, garage with a cascade and air compressor, and a 30 person classroom.  The facility is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of three members from each Company.  The facility is available for use by outside agencies as well as being leased by the Chester County Fire School.   

The WCFD is led by the Department Chief (who holds a 3 year term rotated between the 3 companies) and three Assistant Chiefs (one from each Company).  The four Chiefs are supported by 3 Captains and 10 Lieutenants.  The main fire fighting force is comprised of over 150 active, 100% volunteer, firefighters between the three stations.  Good Fellowship Ambulance (Station 55) and Chester County Medic 91 provide emergency medical service assistance to the Department.

On average, the West Chester Fire Department responds to over 1,200 calls for service each year.  This includes house and commercial structure fires, vehicle fires, auto accidents, brush and woods fires, residential and industrial rescues, water rescues, and automatic fire alarms.  The WCFD also has cooperative mutual aid agreements with surrounding fire companies and is part of Chester County Fire Task Forces 1 and 2, which comprise a portion of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force.