The past has met the future at West Chester’s 183-year-old Fame Fire Company, which recently dedicated its $2.5 million addition and renovations while performing a traditional “push-in” for three impressive pieces of apparatus.

The event was attended by more than 100 people, including community leaders, donors, elected officials, volunteers, first responders, and, of course, firefighters.

Bill Ronayne, co-chair of Fame’s capital campaign, emceed the ceremony and stressed that $500,000 is still needed to pay down a loan Fame secured to put the building in operation. He also announced the formation of a new group — Friends of The Fame — that will seek donations to finish out the campaign and provide volunteer and financial support in the future.

Engine 53 was dedicated to past chief Mark McCarthy, who joined Fame in 1983 and was one of its most active firefighters in the 1980s. He first became lieutenant in 1989 and captain in 1991. McCarthy rose to assistant chief in 1998 and chief of the West Chester Fire Department in 2006.

Meanwhile, Rescue 53 was dedicated to past chief Michael McDonald, who joined Fame in 1981. In 2006, he became assistant chief and held the position for nine years before serving as chief from 2015-2017.

Ladder 53 was the third piece of apparatus pushed in during the event.

Donate to Fame Fire Company.