Tonight Gladwyne Firefighters traveled to Whitemarsh Township to accept 2 - Unit Citations from the severe weather back in August and September when we assisted with multiple water rescues. We were honored to be recognized by Whitemarsh Township!

The even bigger part of the Whitemarsh Township Supervisors meeting was when Assistant Chief's Michael Schwarz, John Remillard and James McLean were presented with "Commendation of Valor" Awards for saving the lives of 4 firefighters and 1 civilian on the morning of September 8th, 2011. The Commendation "says it all......."

Whitemarsh Township
Commendation of Valor
Assistant Chief Michael Schwarz
Assistant Chief John Remillard
Assistant Chief James McLean

WHERE AS, On September 8th, 2011, the Barren Hill Fire Company was dispatched to a report of a civilian trapped in a vehicle in rapidly rising floodwaters. The victim was uncertain of his exact location and as time passed, the floodwaters continued to rise. The victim was ultimately located in the driveway of 6001 W. Valley Green Road, Whitemarsh Township.

WHERE AS, Unable to perform the rescue of the civilian with the original dispatched companies, Mutual Aide assistance from the Washington Fire Company of Conshohocken Borough and the Gladwyne Fire Company of Lower Merion Township were requested. Upon their arrival, the Washington Fire Company deployed Marine 36 with a Lieutenant and three Firefighters into the rapidly rising and swiftly moving floodwaters.

WHERE AS, Due to the rapidly moving floodwaters, Marine 36 became disabled, began taking on water and was swept toward the open area of Erdenheim Farm on Stenton Ave. This required the Officer of Marine 36 to immediately radio a MAYDAY notification to the Incident Commander for himself and three members that were in imminent danger of being swept into the rapidly rising and swiftly moving floodwaters.

WHERE AS, The Gladwyne Fire Company, led by Assistant Chief's Michael Schwarz, John Remillard and James McLean, without regard for their own safety, quickly deployed Marine 24 and rescued the members from Marine 36 just prior to Marine 36 becoming completely submerged in the floodwaters and swept into the farm. Marine 24 was able to remove the four members of the Washington Fire Company to safety and continue their rescue efforts to safely remove the original civilian victim.

NOW THEREFORE, Be it resolved that the Gladwyne Fire Company's Assistant Chief Michael Schwarz, Assistant Chief John Remillard and Assistant Chief James McLean be publicly recognized and commended for their outstanding efforts in rescuing the members of the Washington Fire Company and the civilian victim.

ADOPTED, This 8th Day of December 2011

Robert Hart
Chairperson, Board of Supervisors
Whitemarsh Township