Although the Chester County Firefighters Association recently disbanded, a part of the volunteer group’s legacy will live on as it helps other firefighters through the Chester County Hero Fund.

The Chester County Fire Chiefs Association recently decided to donate $88,168.97 from the defunct organization to the 501(c)(3) fund. Since the fund was founded in 2001 it has given very necessary financial assistance to the widows, children and families who are left with little or no support when a police officer, deputy sheriff, firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic or state trooper loses his/her life or is seriously injured in the line of duty.

The fund also provide assistance to public safety organizations and their members for special events when approved by its board of trustees.

“It’s an honor to be able to donate this money to the Hero Fund,” said association member Ronald Scott.  “It’s there to help our firefighters should they receive an injury or are disabled in the line of duty.”

The firefighters association, founded in 1922, once had hundreds of members who met several times each year.  The organization brought both women and men firefighters together for monthly training and networking.

The association also ran the Chester County Fire Training School at the Thorndale Fire Company training site, which included classes and hands-on training in the smoke house and drill tower.

In 1968, Charles and Daniel Tabas of Downingtown donated 12 acres of land in West Brandywine Township to the association for a fire training center.  A small building was placed on the property and a classroom was set up.  The group purchased more land, but its 18 acres were sold to West Brandywine Township in 2006.  Proceeds from that sale also went to the  Hero Fund in 2007.

The fund welcomes donations from businesses and individuals to the Chester County Hero Fund, 820 Heatherstone Drive, Berwyn, Pa. 19312. For more information call 610-647-7899 or email contact@chestercountyherofund. com.

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Top Photo:

Left – Ronald P. Scott, representing the Firefighters Assoc.

Right – John DiBuonaventuro, representing the Hero Fund