Last evening, at our monthly business meeting, some of our volunteers were honored for their service and dedication to the community through several newly created awards in honor of past, two-term Downingtown Fire Dept. Fire Chief Hallan J. Usher and his wife, Arvilla Reynolds Usher, along with the first female to serve in the Minquas Fire Co. No. 2 Ambulance Corps, Harriet D. Usher. Harriet was the sister of Hallan.
The Hallan J. Usher and Arvilla Reynolds Usher Distinguished Service Award recognized Marina Simmers for her outstanding dedication and achievements to the Alert Fire Co. No. 1 and Robert Miller for his outstanding dedication and achievements to the Downingtown Fire Police during the 2025 response year.
Presenting the 2025 Distinguished Service Awards on behalf of the Usher family were Donna Usher, Glenn Usher, JoAnn Yaworski-Usher and Andrew Murphy. Rose Ciarlone from La Sponda Restaurant in Downingtown presented a dinner gift certificates to Marina and Robert, as well.
A $500 dollar scholarship fund has also been established in the name of Hallan J. Usher and Harriet D. Usher at Delaware County Community College for any current Chester County first responders who wish to earn a two-year Associates Degree in Paramedic – Advanced Life Support (A.A.S.), or the Associates Degree in Emergency Management and Planning (A.A.S.).
In addition to the Distinguished Service Awards, President Christopher Keen presented Life Memberships to Susan Schoellkopf and Judy Rambo. Length of Service Awards to Vince Panetti – 55 years, Blair Hackel Stevens – 10 years, Renae Siter – 10 years and Brian Poulin – 5 years.
Congratulations to all of our volunteers and thank you for your dedication and service to our Good Neighbor Community.
