State Senator Andy Dinniman recently visited the Keystone Valley Fire Department (KVFD) to mark the kickoff of the department’s Capital Fundraising Campaign to renovate and rebuild its station in downtown Parkesburg.

“Chester County is home to some of the best and most well-trained firefighters and emergency first responders in the nation, and it’s great to see fire companies working cooperatively and banding together regionally to survive and thrive locally,” said Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

KVFD began operations in the spring of 2013 by consolidating the Atglen Fire Company, Parkesburg Fire Company No. 1, and Pomeroy Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The new, regional department aims to increase efficiency and reduce redundant services to streamline fire and emergency coverage and better spend taxpayer dollars.

KVFD’s main station, located at 329 West First Avenue, has been in use for more than 80 years, and is in need of significant upgrades and improvements to meet current standards for the latest emergency response equipment and apparatus.

The department is planning a complete overhaul and renovation of the facility.

As part of the renovation, KVFD has partnered with the Parkesburg V.F.W. to build a memorial to commemorate local veterans who died in all major conflicts, the Sept. 11 attacks, and local firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The entire project is estimated to cost approximately $3 million, and the department is currently seeking tax-deductible contributions to offset the cost. Dinniman said he also plans to work in Harrisburg to explore grant-funding opportunities to support the new station.

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