It was a busy holiday weekend for the West Grove Fire Department. Some members took a well deserved respite from responding to calls and participated in holiday parades. The department was selected to participate in the Philadelphia Welcome America Parade. Elsie, the antique pumper, made the trip along with Rescue 22. The late West Grove Firefighter, Mike Predmore, was honored as his wife Lori rode the antique carrying his retired leather helmet. The department was featured at the end of ABC’s coverage of the event. The Philly crowd showed great interest in the Hale pumper, with many asking about the history of the vehicle before the parade. Elsie was the center piece of many family pictures.

The department also provided fire and EMS units to the Herr’s Freedom Fest at Nottingham County Park. Brush 12, Squad 22, and Ambulance 22 provided support for the event along with many other departments in the area. Members were treated to live music and a spectacular firework display while providing first aid services and assuring no fires were ignited from the fireworks.

All was not fun though, the fire company responded to 9 EMS calls and 4 fire calls throughout the weekend. We are happy to report there were no firework related incidents and no grill/propane injuries.

The department would like to express their gratitude to Rivera’s Towing who provided a comfortable trip to and from Philadelphia for Elsie.
Photos by Todd Mazur