KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — Several members of the Kennett Regional Fire Department have been honored for their quick thinking and courage in rescuing an adolescent boy from a house fire last November.
At a recent ceremony, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and the Chester County Commissioners presented firefighters and officers with unit citations and the William H. “Pop” Winters Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, excellence, and devotion to duty.
The William “Pop” Winters Award is among the county’s highest distinctions for emergency responders. It is presented only when an act of extraordinary service merits special recognition — and had not been awarded since 2019. Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Chester County Fire Marshal, including representatives from both the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association.
Honorees of this year’s award include Firefighters Jason Nichols, Fernando Tapia, Captain Bryan Broomell, Patrick Looney, Michael Syska, Lieutenant Dylan Blackburn, and Captain Merton LaBare.
Crew members who supported the rescue effort received unit citations, including Firefighters Cecil Dubots, Dennis Mellinger, Assistant Chief Richard Franks Jr., and Assistant Chief Matt Ruoss.
Fire Chief and community leaders praised the team for their professionalism and teamwork under pressure, noting that the rescue exemplified the very best of Chester County’s first responder community.
“This recognition reminds us of the skill, training, and courage our firefighters bring to every call,” said the Fire Department spokerperson. “Their actions that night made the difference between tragedy and survival.”
The Kennett Regional Fire Department continues to serve southern Chester County and surrounding areas with volunteer and career members committed to protecting lives and property 24 hours a day.
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
