Page: News

On Thursday, December 10, 2009, members of the Cochranville Fire Company attended the fall graduation ceremony of the Chester County Fire Training Academy. During the evening county graduates from the Firefighter I class, the Firefighter I challenge class, the Pumper Driver class, the Instructor I class, and the Fire Officer I class were recognized for there accomplishment. The program was conducted by Fire Training Coordinator Groves. DES Director Ed Atkins addressed all the graduates, their families, friends, and company members in attendance. Also speaking on behalf of DES and the Training Academy was Deputy Director Fire Services Beau Crowding. The guest speaker for the evening was Captain Mark Sweitzer from DCFD. Captain Sweitzer is career firefighter that got his start right here in Chester County as a volunteer. During the ceremony three of our own members were awarded their training certificates for Firefighter I during the ceremony. Congratulations to Mike Arroyo, Caysie Calder, and Codi Calder for completing their firefighter I class, the first step in their fire careers. Additionally, the company was recognized for our participation in the state certification process. All our members present were called forward to receive an award for 75% certification. The state of Pennsylvania office of the Fire Commissioner had approved our application back during the summer. It has taken us several years to reach this point and the officers and members are very proud of this accomplishment. Also, received recognition this night was our neighboring company Parkesburg; they have just achieved 50% certification. Congrats to their members and officers as well. The night ended with some light refreshments shared by all and some networking with are bothers and sisters from around the county. Thanks to Jeff Groves, the fire instructors, and DES for another great graduation ceremony.