Fire Company Elects New Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fire Company Under New Management

Kennett Square, PA - December 12, 2006; The membership of Kennett Fire Company, No. 1 announced today that for the first time in decades, the Fire Company has elected a completely new Executive board. Tony Talamonti, having served the department in excess of thirty years as President, decided not to run again for re-election in 2007. The membership and incoming board would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Tony for his many years of hard work and dedication. Tony has been a key asset in making the Company as successful as it is today

Scott Danby, a six year resident of the Borough of Kennett Square and Assistant Chief Engineer at the department was elected during Monday Night's membership meeting along with running mates Steve Pesce and Fire Department Captain Marc Anderson for 1st and 2nd Vice President positions [respectively]. The three will be joined on the Executive Board by Joyce O'Connell, Treasurer; Gina Pouci, Secretary; Paul Baccino, Senior Trustee; and Teresa Kirwin, Membership Secretary.

The new management team is gearing up to begin a fairly progressive re-structuring project for the Fire Department in early 2007. "We've got a great foundation to build on...", says Danby, as he discussed the new trucks the Company was able to purchase in 2005 with the generous assistance of Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township. "Finding enough help is now our top priority" says Danby, "The unemployment rates are low, and our volunteer salary certainly is not our best recruiting tool" he added with a laugh. The Company plans to implement new recruiting methods that include a revised Junior Firefighter program, and new marketing efforts to increase public awareness. "There's more to do here than just fight fire" Danby continues "Those with mechanical, computer, or professional service backgrounds are of tremendous value to the Company."

Equally as important, the Board is eager to begin enhancing the working relationships Kennett enjoys with neighboring departments such as Avondale, Longwood, Po-Mar-Lin, West Grove, Hockessin, and others. "Working together with our neighboring companies makes good business sense&" says Fire Chief Steve Melton. "We hope to organize multi-station training opportunities, as well as develop station specific specialties such as water rescue, high-angle, trench, and other specialty rescue teams. All of which will ultimately lead to better protection for our citizens."

Since 1875, Kennett Fire Company, No. 1 has provided fire suppression and emergency rescue and ambulance services to the citizens and visitors of Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township. The Company's all-volunteer personnel provide these services twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred sixty-five days a year, and look forward to continuing the success of the Kennett Fire Company. If you would like to volunteer your time for a great organization or for more information, visit http://www.firestation24.com/ .