Fire Chief Commended By Newtown Township On 50 Year Milestone

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The board of supervisors on Wednesday publicly recognized the township’s fire chief for his 50 years of public service and dedication to the township.

Chief Glenn Forsyth joined the Newtown Fire Association five decades ago, rising up through the ranks to become the township's first paid fire chief in 2012. He had previously served in numerous leadership roles with the NFA, including president, trustee, battalion chief, and safety officer.

Supervisors’ Chairwoman Elen Snyder joined the five-member board in presenting the lifelong resident with a proclamation honoring his milestone.

“This man has spent 50 years giving himself to the township and the Newtown Fire Association to make everything better," said Snyder.

Forsyth has a long family history in the Newtown Fire Service. His grandfather joined the
Newtown Fire Association in 1915. His father and several of his uncles also served with the fire association. He joined the NFA as a junior firefighter and became an active member in 1975.

Chief Glenn Forsyth with his family. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Chief Glenn Forsyth with his officers and township manager Micah Lewis. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Reading from the proclamation, Snyder praised the chief's commitment to the fire services in the township and his distinguished service to the residents of Newtown Township.

"Chief Forsyth began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Newtown Fire Association with courage, selflessness, and dedication," said Snyder, reading from the proclamation. "Chief Forsyth rose through the ranks to become the fire chief, providing leadership, support, and camaraderie with his fellow firefighters."

She continued, "Chief Forsyth's 50 years of service stands as a testament to his character and his leadership and the impact he has made on Newtown Township, the Newtown Fire Association and on generations of firefighters who have served alongside him."

Applause filled the meeting room as the chief, joined by his family and a large contingent of Newtown firefighters, accepted the proclamation from the board of supervisors.

Forsyth thanked the board for the acknowledgment. "But most of all I'd like to thank the people back here who have made my 50 years possible," he said of the contingent of firefighters seated in the back of the meeting room.

"It's been a great ride. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to another 50, but I am not," he said.

This year also marks his 47th year as an employee of Newtown Township.

"I spent the first 28 years with the police department and now I'm going to finish my career in the fire department," he said. "Thank you to the board. Thank you to the fire service. And thank you to the community for allowing me to serve."

Chief Glenn Forsyth, center, with the members of Newtown Fire Rescue. (Jeff Werner/Patch)