Fallen Malvern Firefighters to be Honored Saturday

On March 24, 1931, a crew of Malvern firefighters were en route to a brush fire when tragedy struck. The fire engine in which they were traveling failed to negotiate a turn near West King Street and Summit Road, according to current Malvern Fire Chief Neil Vaughn.

The engine flipped, and five firefighters were killed that day. A memorial next to the flag outside the headquarters on East King Street bears their names.

On Saturday morning, April 14, another plaque will be installed in their honor outside the historic courthouse in West Chester a ceremony in West Chester, as emergency responders from the region and other dignitaries recall their sacrifice.

A post on the Malvern Fire Company website lays out some background and details:

The fire engine these men were responding in overturned and five of the crew members lost their lives in the line of duty. William Garrett, Clarence Gregg, Charles Henry Munch, Clifford Kilpatrick, and Clarence Matlack perished on this faithful day. 

On Saturday April 14th, 2012 these late members of the Malvern Fire Company will be honored in a ceremony at the Old Historic Chester County Court House. The program begins at 11:00 AM and is co-sponsored by the Chester County Hero's Fund and Chester County lodge #11 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Fire apparatus & personnel as well as the public are welcome and are encouraged to attend.

Organizers are hoping that any remaining family members of the fallen firefighters will also hear about the event and attend.

A press release from the Chester County Hero Fund gives some background on the organization (PDF):

District Judge John Bailey initiated the Chester County Hero Plaque Program several years ago while a Det. Sgt. with Tredyffrin Police Department. It began by recognizing law enforcement officers killed in-the-line-of- duty and was done in partnership with the Chester County Hero Fund, the Chester County FOP, and the Chester County Commissioners. The original program began in Philadelphia and continues to this day throughout the SE Region with the help of Jimmy Binns, its founder and long time supporter of police and firefighters.

Details for anyone who wants to go:

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Old Historic Chester County Court House (Market Street Side) West Chester, PA

Recognizing: William Garrett, Clifford Kilpatrick, Clarence Gregg Clarence Matlack, Charles Henry Munch, Malvern Fire Company Killed in the line of duty protecting the citizens of the Malvern Area March 24, 1931