D.A. Lauds Norco Fire Co., Others For Ashwood Apts. Fire Response

POTTSTOWN, PA — Among those recognized for outstanding service to Chester County in the past year were NORCO Fire Company and its marshal, police, and a local pastor for their response to a devasting fire at Ashwood Apartments on July 30, 2020.

They were among a group of community leaders commended for service in a ceremony last week as part of the Chester County District Attorney's Office annual Awards Ceremony.

District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "In our respective roles, it is the duty of each of us to serve and protect our communities. For most of us, this is a calling. We understand the critical importance of helping those in need, regardless of threat, danger, or obstacle, because it is our job to make this world a better place."

The District Attorney specifically recognized the North Coventry Township Police Department, the Norco Fire Department along with the Chester County Fire Marshals and Pastor Josh Park "for their valiant lifesaving efforts in dealing with the catastrophic fire that occurred at the Ashwood Apartments on July 30th, 2020."

On the evening of July 30, 2020, the North Coventry Police Department and Norco Fire Company rushed to 782 Worth Blvd. in North Coventry Township as the Ashwood Apartments went up in flames. The D.A. said, "Police officers and firefighters worked together, entering the burning building with heavy smoke and flames, to successfully evacuate and save the lives of all of the residents."

"The fire was so fierce that 30 additional police, fire, and EMS personnel from surrounding townships and counties were needed to respond to the incident. After several hours of fearless and heroic work, the fire was deemed under control. This fire decimated the entire property, worth millions of dollars, displacing 100 residents. Sadly, four residents and three firefighters required treatment of their injuries sustained in the fire," Ryan said in her commendation.

"Even though numerous first responders worked as a team, the heroic efforts of Noro Fire Chief Joel McMillan, Firefighters Jake Sabo and Jimmy Keck, North Coventry Township Police Officers Shane Woodrow, Andrew Templin, Vic Machese, Cpl. Andrew Zinger, have to be singled out for their bravery for entering this blazing fire and rescuing residents," Ryan said.

"The immediate response and combined efforts of Fire Marshals from Chester County, Pennsylvania State Police, and the ATF investigated and identified the cause of the fire," the D.A. noted. Read about criminal charges related to the fire, here.

The District Attorney pointed out that because of the cooperative rescue operation, officials were quickly able to account for all of the residents of the apartment. "With the aid of school buses from the Owen J. Roberts School District, the residents were transported to the Norco Fire Company where they were assisted by the American Red Cross," she said.

Also commended was "The selfless work by Pastor Josh Park, who immediately joined the relief effort, aided in the coordination of the massive amounts of donations that were pouring in from the community. Pastor Park ran the relief center that was kept open daily for several months," Ryan explained. "While working with other agencies, he was a part of the team that tracked and provided the much-needed housing, clothing, monetary support and assistance to all of the victims. Pastor Park continues to provide emotional support and other care for the families."

Park is the lead pastor at the Branch Life Worship Center. A lifelong resident of Berks and Chester counties, he has served as an area pastor since 2000, according to the Branch Life Worship Center website. The church took on a role in organizing relief efforts for the 100 residents displaced by the fire. Read a story about the fire response here.

In the awards ceremony remarks, Ryan added, "The commitment of all of our first responders and the community support like that of Pastor Park was on full display that evening. All should be proud of how the public servants and the community as a whole came to the aid of their fellow citizens. Lives were saved and steps were taken to assist the residents to put their lives back together. This award is but a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the community."

Many Others Recognized Around Chester County

Ryan recognized many others in the ceremony, "Many of the award recipients repeatedly demonstrated heroic efforts by saving children from horrific abuse, tracking down and capturing killers, removing poison and deadly weapons from our streets, or going into burning buildings to save the lives of hundreds of people."

"Some were part of the crucial effort to keep all of us safe from a deadly pandemic because, as essential workers, we never stopped our service to the community. Others fought the good fight for justice in the courtroom while helping victims navigate an often complicated and traumatizing process," Ryan continued. "And some sought out ways to improve law enforcement’s relationships with communities of color and affect positive change to criminal justice reform in response to national tragedies."

The awards presented included:
• Prosecutor of the Year — Deputy District Attorney Erin O’Brien
• Detective of the Year — Chester County Det. Gary Lynch
• Law Enforcement Officer of the Year — Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Stefano Gallina and
• Administrative Professional of the Year — Office Manager Cheryl Greener.

Commendations given included:

• Chester County Department of Emergency Services for their outstanding and continuous efforts in supporting law enforcement and first responders during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

• Phoenixville Borough Police Department for their exemplary efforts and teamwork in providing justice to the family of a murdered teenager.

• Edward McFadden for his outstanding dedication, commitment, and service as the Warden of Chester County Prison for 15 years.

• Chris Saello of the United Way and DeVon Jackson for their extraordinary efforts in improving relationships between law enforcement and our communities in Chester County.

Ryan said, "Even though our professions are highly scrutinized and sometimes vilified, I am reminded every day that what we do matters. Each award recipient consistently contributes to making this county a better place, facing down danger, working long hours, and selflessly serving those around them despite all the challenges."

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