This weekend several leaders from the KVFD came together with other Chester County and PA firefighters to attend a weekend of courses at the USFA National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Chief Raymond Stackhouse, Deputy Chief Brian Gathercole, Lt. Ford Smith and FF/EMT Jason Legieko, attended.Our chiefs were teamed with Chief Neil Vaughn of Malvern, and Chief Barry Messner of the Honeybrook Fire Company at times for exercises.

Also attending from Chester County were Chief Todd Ziegler, Deputy Chief Bob Yearsley, and Ass’t Chief Michael Reber of the Wagontown Fire Company.

This was a great opportunity for team building and continuing education. All attendees were able to network and develop relationships with other departments throughout the weekend. In addition, while attending the NFA, it was an appropriate time for reflection, and a time to honor the service of others, with all coming together to attend a memorial service honoring the sacrifice of the fallen firefighters of Pennsylvania.

Deputy Chief Gathercole said today,"The experience and camaraderie from fellow brothers and sisters in this service was overwhelming."

Past Chief Robert Gathercole aka "Skats" and Past Chief Douglas McGuigan are just a few of those who have been honored for their service with a dedicated brick in the walkway.

Course content this weekend included:

Chiefs attending Executive Skills in Exercising Leadership within Communities

Lt. Smith completed Training Management in Small Departments

FF/EMT Legieko attended Incident Command at High Rise Incidents.