Fire & Emergency Services

The Borough of Phoenixville provides critical funding that enables the Department to perform all necessary fire, rescue, and medical support services. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Borough as an estimated population of 19,354 over a total area of 3.8 square miles, which includes portions of the Schuylkill River and French Creek. An increase in population is expected, over the next few years, due to significant investments in residential and commercial development projects.
 
The Department staff includes a full-time Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, two full-time Assistant Chiefs, 18 part-time staff and 36 volunteers. The Borough is committed to growing a strong combination response model comprised of additional full-time staff and volunteers. The Borough secured State RACP funding for the new fire station that officially opened on August 20, 2022. This state-of-the-art facility has living quarters for up to 10 personnel and six drive-thru apparatus bays that allow for safe and efficient operation.
 
After an extensive process to merge the three fire companies located within the Borough limits, the Phoenix Hose, Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 (PHH&L) was the remaining organization that would provide volunteers to support the efforts of the Borough to improve the fire and emergency services delivery system. PHH&L was founded 1874 and is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
 
The Phoenixville Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association also exists as a separate legal entity from PHH&L to provide funding for training, health and safety of volunteers that operate within the Borough. These funds are managed by an elected Board of Directors and regularly audited by the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General. This funding resource will continue to provide critical funds to keep firefighters prepared to respond to all-hazard incidents in the Borough and surrounding communities.
 
The primary 9-1-1 emergency medical service (EMS) in the Borough is provided by TowerDIRECT. TowerDIRECT operates a 'Phoenixville Division' based out of the Phoenixville Fire Department.

An advanced life support ambulance is on duty 24x7, along with a 2nd unit during peak call volume hours to handle emergencies. In the event subsequent calls are received when TowerDIRECT is unavailable, automatic mutual aid is received from neighboring agencies. 

The Chester County EMS Taskforce Mass Casualty Bus is also housed at the Department. This unit can transport up to 9 patients on stretchers and can also serve as a first responder shelter during large scale incidents or inclement weather situations.

Due to nearly every full-time and part-time employee with the Department being trained at a minimum as an Emergency Medical Responder, it is not uncommon for them to respond to EMS calls to render assistance.

Deputy Chief

David Meadows, Jr.

Assistant Chiefs

Keith Bliss and Craig Lear

Captain

Brian Kappel

Lieutenants

Conor Riley and Tyler Frees

 Safety Officer

Edwin Walters

Medical Director

Dr. Danielle Levine